<![CDATA[Abandoned children are a vulnerable group at risk of violence, exploitation, and behavioral deviation due to unmet basic physical, mental, and social needs. In South Sulawesi Province, the number of abandoned children remains high, reaching 19,240, with the highest distribution in Takalar Regency. This phenomenon is also evident in Makassar City through the presence of street children, beggars, and buskers, as well as the increasing number of cases of violence against children. This study aims to analyze the conditions of abandoned children and evaluate the effectiveness of social rehabilitation programs in the area. This is a descriptive qualitative study, with data collection techniques using interviews, observation, and documentation. Informants included Social Service officials, Technical Implementation Unit (UPT) managers, social workers, and parents or guardians of beneficiary children. The results indicate that the social rehabilitation program at the UPT PPRSA Inang Matutu is quite effective in improving children's psychological, social, and educational aspects. Children receive services that fulfill their basic needs, therapy, social guidance, and character development through structured activities. However, the program's effectiveness remains hampered by limited facilities (particularly the lack of dormitories), reduced budget allocation, a shortage of professional staff, and low community participation. Therefore, a more comprehensive and sustainable management strategy is needed to ensure the fulfillment of the rights and optimal development of neglected children in South Sulawesi. ABSTRAKAnak terlantar merupakan kelompok rentan yang berisiko mengalami kekerasan, eksploitasi, dan penyimpangan perilaku akibat tidak terpenuhinya kebutuhan dasar fisik, mental, serta sosial. Di Provinsi Sulawesi Selatan, jumlah anak terlantar masih tinggi, yaitu mencapai 19.240 anak, dengan sebaran tertinggi di Kabupaten Takalar. Fenomena ini juga tampak di Kota Makassar melalui keberadaan anak jalanan, pengemis, dan pengamen, serta meningkatnya kasus kekerasan terhadap anak. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis kondisi anak terlantar serta mengevaluasi efektivitas program rehabilitasi sosial di daerah tersebut. Jenis penelitian ini adalah penelitian kualitatif deskriptif, dengan teknik pengumpulan data melalui wawancara, observasi, dan dokumentasi. Informan penelitian meliputi pejabat Dinas Sosial, pengelola Unit Pelaksana Teknis (UPT), pekerja sosial, serta orang tua atau wali anak penerima manfaat. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa program rehabilitasi sosial di UPT PPRSA Inang Matutu cukup efektif dalam meningkatkan aspek psikologis, sosial, dan pendidikan anak. Anak-anak menerima layanan pemenuhan kebutuhan dasar, terapi, bimbingan sosial, dan pengembangan karakter melalui kegiatan terstruktur. Meskipun demikian, efektivitas program masih terhambat oleh keterbatasan fasilitas (terutama ketiadaan asrama), berkurangnya alokasi anggaran, kurangnya tenaga profesional, serta rendahnya partisipasi masyarakat. Oleh karena itu, dibutuhkan strategi penanganan yang lebih komprehensif dan berkelanjutan untuk menjamin pemenuhan hak serta tumbuh kembang optimal anak terlantar di Sulawesi Selatan.]]>
