<![CDATA[This study examines the implementation of Islamic guidance and counseling services and their perceived contribution to mental health indicators among foster children at the Al Washliyah Orphanage in Medan. A descriptive qualitative approach was employed, with participants purposively selected from the head of the orphanage, caregivers, and twelfth-grade foster children involved in the institution’s guidance activities. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, observations of guidance practices, and documentation of institutional programs and activities. The data were analyzed through reduction, meaning-based categorization, thematic presentation, and conclusion drawing. The findings indicate that the services were implemented through the identification of children’s conditions, guidance planning, individual and group interventions, evaluation and follow-up, and the reinforcement of independence. The habituation of religious practices and caregiver role modeling primarily created a supportive spiritual environment, whereas structured counseling was characterized by explicit guidance objectives, personal communication, group sessions, developmental monitoring, and follow-up actions. According to the participants’ experiences, these services contributed to perceived calmness, emotional stability, adaptation, openness in communicating personal problems, and improved emotional regulation. These findings are context-specific and represent observable mental health indicators derived from participants’ accounts rather than clinically measured psychological changes.]]>
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