Child Protection Cambodia Project #64172

Safeguarding Cambodian Children released from RCFs

by This Life Cambodia

Project Report | Dec 29, 2024
Safeguarding Cambodian Children Released from RCFs

By Sam Ven | Children and Families Section Lead

Coordination Meeting between This Life, DoSVY and

A child protection crisis is unfolding in Cambodia. Over 320 vulnerable children and youths were abruptly returned to families without support after 32 residential care facilities (RCFs) run by a US faith-based organization suddenly closed. This Life was invited by DoSVY to address this crisis, which spans 14 provinces. These children face risks such as abuse, exploitation, and neglect. Additionally, another 34 RCFs are threatened with closure.

Our Approach:

Emergency Aid: Immediate support for children and families affected by RCF closures, including tracing, needs assessment, and providing food, healthcare, and educational support.
Systematic Reform: Transforming the residential care sector into government-monitored, community-based family care alternatives to improve safety and outcomes for children.
Capacity Building: Strengthening local and national capacities by working with DoSVY and RCF facilities to plan closures, tracing efforts, and formal placements for children and youths.

Results (September to November 2024):

13 new cases enrolled in the project.
87 food packages were received by children and youths.
2 children and youths received bicycles for school transportation.
194 cash transfers were accessed as basic needs for children and youths.
91 healthy hygienic materials for healthcare were received by children and youths.
Five families received support to start up income-generation activities.
45 study material supports were provided to children and youths.
482 follow-up visits were conducted to all children and youths at least once a month.
One meeting has been conducted with DoSVY and RCF facilities to plan the RCFs’ closing process, tracing efforts for youths, and formal placement of children and youths.
One case management refresher training was conducted for caseworkers on best practices.

This Life strives to protect and empower these vulnerable children, ensuring their well-being and a brighter future by working together with all relevant stakeholders.

Mrs. Srey Mab, a mother of four children from Kampong Thom province, shared her heartfelt gratitude for the support her family has received through our program:

“My family is incredibly happy with the assistance, which included food packages, hygiene supplies, educational materials, and small business opportunities. I have never received this in my life.” She emphasized her immense appreciation for the TLC team’s timely help, which has significantly improved her family's situation.

This Life conducted family tracing of children

Family and children received food packages

Links:

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Sep 2, 2024
Supporting Children After RCF Shutdowns

By Sam Ven | Project Leader/Children and Families Section Lead

A child protection crisis is unfolding in Cambodia. Over 320 vulnerable children and youths were abruptly returned to families without support after 32 residential care facilities (RCFs) run by a US faith-based organization suddenly closed. This Life was invited by the Department of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation (DoSVY) to address this crisis, which spans 14 provinces. These children face risks such as abuse, exploitation, and neglect. Additionally, another 34 RCFs are threatened with closure.

Our Approach: Emergency Aid, Systematic Reform, and Capacity Building

Emergency Aid: We provide immediate support for children and families affected by RCF closures, including tracing, needs assessment, and providing food, healthcare, and educational support.
Systematic Reform: We aim to transform the residential care sector into government-monitored, community-based family care alternatives to improve safety and outcomes for children.
Capacity Building: We strengthen local and national capacities by working with DoSVY and RCF facilities to plan closures, tracing efforts, and formal placements for children and youths.

Results (June to August 2024)

53 children and youths were traced (in addition to the 138 traced as of May 2024)
35 new cases enrolled in the project
18 children and youths received food package support
3 children and youths received bicycles for school transportation
158 children and youths received cash transfers to access basic needs
13 children and youths received healthy hygienic materials for healthcare
12 families received support to start up income generation activities
322 follow-up visits conducted to all children and youths at least once a month
Ten meetings have been conducted with DoSVY and RCF facilities to plan the RCFs' closing process, tracing efforts for youths, and formal placement of children and youths.
5 RCFs supported closing formally following government guidelines
42 children and youths were referred to other NGO partners for tracing and support.

Real Lives, Real Impact
Mrs Cheviny Arm (a pseudonym), a mother of two from Ratanakiri province, shared her heartfelt gratitude for the support her family has received through our program: "My family and I are deeply grateful to all the donors and the This Life team for their invaluable help. Your support has been a lifeline, keeping us safe and secure within our family and community. May you and your loved ones be blessed with safety, health, and happiness. May God watch over you all."

Your Support Makes a Difference
This Life strives to protect and empower these vulnerable children, ensuring their well-being and a brighter future by working together with all relevant stakeholders. Your support is crucial in helping us continue this vital work and make a lasting impact on the lives of these children and their families.

Join us in safeguarding Cambodian children released from RCFs. Donate now and help us provide the emergency aid, systematic reform, and capacity building needed to ensure these children have a safe and nurturing environment to grow up in.

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