This study maps institutions in four provinces in Sri Lanka and studies the legal and policy frameworks governing the institutionalisation of children. It identifies and analyses causal factors for institutionalisation, examines quality of care within institutions, including children's links to family and community and the impact of these links to social reintegration. In the report, children unequivocally state their wish to be with families, even when the material support they receive may not be as good as in institutions. They speak out about the lack of love, affection, privacy, dignity and individuality in institutional settings. The study includes recommendations on minimising institutionalisation and, where they are the only option for some children, making institutional settings as child-friendly as possible.