Orphans into loving families in Cambodia

From June 2024 to June 2025, Care for Children worked closely with the Cambodian government to help children move from orphanages into safe, loving families. In just one year, 10 children were placed in foster homes where they are now thriving - smiling more, playing with others, and doing better in school. Each placement is a life-changing step away from institutional care and towards a brighter future.

This progress reflects growing national support for family-based care. To guide this change, we helped draft Cambodia’s first National Foster Care Guidelines, which are now under final review. At the same time, we developed the country’s first training program for foster carers, covering 17 essential topics. Designed for local literacy and learning needs, these materials make it easier for families to succeed in their new roles.

We also co-created Minimum Standards for Alternative Care, aligning Cambodia’s system with global best practices. Together, these tools are helping to build a strong foundation for long-term reform.

But policies alone aren’t enough - we also focused on building people’s skills. Over 110 child welfare professionals, including social workers, government officials, and orphanage staff, received training in family placement. Encouragingly, local social workers are now co-leading sessions, showing growing confidence and ownership of the model.

To support decision-making, we funded a cost comparison study between foster and institutional care, helping the government plan for sustainable funding. Former orphanage staff are also being retrained to support children as they transition into families.

Momentum is growing in communities too. Through local events, 327 people were engaged and 24 showed interest in fostering. So far, 16 foster carers have been approved, and more families are in training.

An independent evaluation confirmed our impact, praising the high-quality, practical materials and strong government support. It concluded: “The commitment to alternative care has clearly been taken on board at all levels.”

With your continued support, we’re helping Cambodia build a care system that puts families first - creating lasting change for children today and generations to come.