Impact of COVID – 19 on mental health of institutionalized children: A social work perspective

Abstract

A viral outbreak of COVID – 19 pandemic has distressed the world. The spread of the disease led severe disturbances in the socio-economic and health system of India. The rich and poor have been equally disturbed by the pandemic as regard to in terms of their mental health. The lockdown measures had a huge impact on the vulnerable strata, especially children in need of care and protection. In this regard, the article explores the vigorous dynamics deplorable condition of the intuitional care provided to children in need of care and protection who are residing in child care institutions in India. The aim of this paper is to bring out the impact of COVID – 19 on mental health of institutionalized children from a Social Work Perspective. The method of systematic literature review has been adopted. The content analysis method is used to identify the themes related to the COVID – 19 and its impact on institutionalized children. Critical evaluation of review of literature has been done by analyzing published articles, reports, webinars proceedings to bring out the thematic conceptualization of the article. Social workers plays an important role in the institutions and has a vital role in reintegrating these children back to the society. The constant counseling became essential in this pandemic and the initiatives of social workers under psycho-social support system for child care institutions was a great strength for the system.