PHNOM PENH, July 29, 2024 — Cambodia has launched a revised Child Care Policy aimed at ensuring that children without parental care are given the opportunity to live in stable family environments. This policy adjustment, announced on July 29, 2024, comes as part of efforts by the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans, and Youth Rehabilitation, in collaboration with UNICEF and other partner organizations.

The updated policy emphasizes that institutional care should be a last resort, used only when family and community care options are unavailable. Chea Somethy, Minister of Social Affairs, Veterans, and Youth Rehabilitation, explained that the policy represents a significant shift towards enhancing the quality of alternative care for children in Cambodia.

“This revision marks a crucial step in our ongoing reform efforts to provide better care for children," Chea Somethy stated. "It aligns with national and international standards, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, to which Cambodia is a signatory.”

Dr. Will Park, UNICEF Country Director for Cambodia, praised the policy, noting, “Family care is fundamentally the best option for children, fostering optimal emotional, psychological, and social development. This policy aligns with global standards and is the result of a collaborative effort involving various stakeholders dedicated to protecting children's rights.”

The policy not only focuses on shifting from center-based to family-based care but also includes new measures to enhance family child care and support services. It aims to build the capacity of national and sub-national government institutions to provide alternative child care services, increase funding for health care reform, and improve the coordination of government-development partnerships.

As of 2023, over 9,000 children and young people were residing in 270 care facilities across the country. This figure represents a significant reduction from the 2015 figure, which showed over 35,000 children and young people living in 639 care facilities.

The revised Child Care Policy is seen as a transformative approach for Cambodia’s social welfare system, emphasizing the development of human capital and ensuring that no child is left without appropriate care.