This article reviews the literature about the impact of shelter institutions on children and adolescents' development. From a theoretical foundation based on the Ecology of Human Development and the views expressed in the Child and Adolescent's Statute, we searched for research conducted over the past few decades on the impact of shelters. Many researchers discuss institutional life, with some of them discussing its damage to development and others indicating its positive features, particularly when the family environment is disorganized and chaotic. Although progress was observed in the quality of the assistance offered by shelters, especially following passage of the Child and Adolescent's Statute, we discuss proposals aimed at institutions' staff, focusing on improving working conditions and decreasing turnover. In addition, it is necessary to understand those institutions as part of the social and emotional support network, and thus an important space for the healthy development of children and adolescents.
institutionalization; children; adolescents; development