The purpose of this study was to examine differences in emotional intelligence, social competence and school life satisfaction between institutionalized and home reared children. In total, 584 grade 4, 5, and 6 students were used for this study, 305 of which were institutionalized and 279 home reared. Collected data were subjected to descriptive and comparative statistical analysis. Significant differences were found in emotional intelligence, social competence and school life satisfaction between institutionalized and home reared children. Positive correlations were established among emotional intelligence, social competence and school life satisfaction for both groups of children.