After the age of 18, the role of religion in the social reintegration of young people who have left or will leave orphanages (Child Protection Institutions)

In cases where children cannot be provided with certain necessary living conditions, they are taken under the protection of the state due to the structure of the social state. Taking children under protection through different practices is important for the future of societies. As a matter of fact, children who are deprived of the family environment for various reasons will threaten the future of societies unless they are protected. One of the important issues that should be emphasized in the process of taking children under protection and reintegrating them into society is the issue of religion. Studies have shown that religion has a significant impact and contribution both in the rehabilitation and post-rehabilitation processes of children. In this context, religious education and services provided inside and outside the institution are important. Because religion is also an important part of the post-institutional socialization process of these individuals. This research, which deals with the post-institutional processes of individuals from the perspective of sociology of religion, examines the effect of religion on the socialization process of individuals who grew up in state institutions. As a result of the research, it is seen that religion has a significant impact and contribution to the socialization process of individuals who grew up in institutions. Religious education and religious services provided to these individuals both inside and outside the institution are important. As a result of the research, it is seen that it is important to provide religious education and services in the social adaptation process as well as in the rehabilitation process of individuals under protection. The religious socialization process of individuals growing up in state institutions is a subject that has not been studied before in the field of sociology of religion. In this context, it is foreseen that the research can contribute to the literature. Keywords: Religious socialization; children in need of protection; religious education; religion and child; child protection phenomenon; social services