Residential child care institutions around the globe play a significant role in protecting children in need of care and protection. While these facilities facilitate hope and rehabilitation, the displacement of children from their families introduces a variety of psychosocial stressors. This qualitative study aims to elucidate children’s vulnerabilities and coping mechanisms in residential child care institutions in Kerala, India. We conducted in-depth interviews with 21 children aged 8-16 living in institutional care within Ernakulam District, Kerala, India, registered under the Juvenile Justice (JJ) (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2015. Semi-structured interviews covered various domains, including demographics, emotional well-being, social interactions, behavioral issues, academics, and coping mechanisms. Attride-Stirling’s thematic network analysis was used in the data analysis to identify significant themes. The themes identified include (a) emotional well-being and self-perception, (b) behavioral problems, (c) social networking and interaction patterns, (d) educational and career aspirations, and (e) strengths and coping mechanisms. Our study presents the multifaceted challenges encountered by children in Kerala’s residential child care institutions, highlighting the need to create a nurturing environment that fosters child-centric practices that are essential to ensure their well-being and better prospects for their future.