Armed conflicts and wars create devastating consequences for children, exposing them to displacement, loss of caregivers, separation from families, and traumatic experiences of violence. Child Care Institutions (CCIs) often emerge as critical mechanisms for safeguarding war-affected children, providing immediate protection as well as pathways for long-term rehabilitation and development. This article examines the role of CCIs in contexts of war and armed conflict, highlighting the importance of psychosocial rehabilitation, education, vocational training, and reintegration. Drawing on international legal frameworks such as the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), the Geneva Conventions, and guidelines of UNICEF and UNHCR, it critically assesses the challenges of institutional care for war-affected children. Recommendations for strengthening care, promoting family-based alternatives, and ensuring sustainable development outcomes are presented, emphasizing that rehabilitation is not only about protection but about enabling resilience, dignity, and social reintegration.
