Revised Alternative Care Policy prioritises family-based care for all children in Cambodia

PHNOM PENH, 29 July 2024 – A revised Alternative Care Policy for Children in Cambodia was launched in Phnom Phnom today, a milestone in enhancing children’s right to protection in the country. Developed by the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation (MoSVY) with support from UNICEF, the updated strategy aims to ensure that children who are deprived of parental care can grow up in a stable family environment that nurtures their growth and well-being, and that institutional care should be used as a last resort when no other family-based options exist.

In 2022, it was reported that 10,000 children and young people in Cambodia were still living in institutional care across approximately 300 residential care facilities (RCFs), which encompass residential care institutions, transit homes/temporary emergency accommodation, group homes, pagodas/other faith-based care in religious buildings, and boarding schools. This represents a significant reduction from the 35,000 children and young people living in 600 RCFs in 2015.

"This alternative care policy represents new progress in the ongoing reform of alternative care for children, which I consider an important component in our joint efforts to prioritise the best interests of children in Cambodia by improving service quality and aligning the management of residential care centres and family and community-based care with the policies of the Royal Government of Cambodia of the Seventh Legislature of the National Assembly and national and international laws, particularly the United Nations Guidelines for the Alternative Care of Children, as Cambodia is a signatory to the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC)," said His Excellency Chea Somethy, Minister of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation at the policy dissemination event.

"Through this policy, the Ministry will continue its efforts to complete its mission of ensuring that orphans, left-behind children, and other vulnerable children receive the protection and benefits that align with the Royal Government's vision, focusing on human capital development and the Cambodian Government's principle of leaving no one behind without care," added the Minister. 

The Alternative Care Policy was updated to reflect current international standards and practices, particularly the United Nations Guidelines for the Alternative Care of Children.

“Today, we begin a new chapter in our work to safeguard and promote children’s rights in Cambodia,” said Dr Will Parks, UNICEF Cambodia Representative, at the launch event. “Family-based care is the best option for every child as it promotes emotional, psychological, and social growth. This landmark policy, which is consistent with global standards and was made possible through the dedicated efforts of and partnership with national authorities, demonstrates our shared commitment to enhancing the protection of all children and their right to grow up in a supportive, nurturing, and stable environment.”

In addition to prioritising family-based over institutionalised care, the revised policy introduces several important updates and priorities, including improving family preservation and gatekeeping services, building capacity of national and subnational government agencies to offer alternative care services, increasing the budget for healthcare reform, and improving coordination between the government and development partners.

The policy also promotes deinstitutionalization and attempts to reintegrate children into family-based care whenever possible, and includes provisions for recruiting and training foster carers, establishing kinship care arrangements, and offering case management services to help children transition smoothly to family-based care, including through psychosocial counselling, monitoring, and follow up until they are well reintegrated with their families. 

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For more information, please contact: 

Phi No
Director of Child Welfare Department, MoSVY
Tel: +85592462263 | Email: [email protected]

Hadrien Bonnaud
Chief of Communication, UNICEF Cambodia
Tel: +85523260204 | Email: [email protected]