The study intended to explore the challenges and opportunities associated with alternative childcare services for child welfare in Bangladesh. This study primarily used a qualitative research design, employing the case study approach to obtain an in-depth understanding of the research issue. Several qualitative data collection techniques were employed, of which are detailed case interviews, semi-structured and open-ended interview schedules, focus group discussions (FGDs), interviews with key informants (KIIs), and observations. It is observed in the study that there is an increasing necessity for alternative care services in Bangladesh, which are often rendered by the government-run child care centers, day care facilities, institutional care, kinship care, foster care, community-based childcare, and adoption.
The findings of the study highlight an inadequacy of emotional and psychosocial support in alternative care arrangements in which there is no structured counseling or available family tracing services. While the Government Shishu Paribar offers a basic safety net, it does not adopt a child-centered approach and fails to provide satisfactory long-term developmental support. The quality of education in 'Sarkari Shishu Paribar' is substandard, and there is a momentous shortage of trained social workers and caregivers, particularly in rural areas. Furthermore, the lack of a centralized database by the Department of Social Services (DSS) hinders monitoring and family reunification efforts, while social stigma and legal concerns deter families from accepting non-biological children. A coordinated approach focusing on capacity building and financial investment is essential to improve the alternative care programs for the well-being of children.
