Cambodia has revised its Alternative Care Policy for Children, emphasizing family-based care to reduce the number of children in institutional care. Launched on July 29, the updated policy was developed by the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation (MoSVY) with support from UNICEF. It aims to ensure that children without parental care can grow up in stable family environments, with institutional care being a last resort.

In 2022, about 10,000 children were living in approximately 300 residential care facilities across Cambodia, a significant decrease from 35,000 children in 600 facilities in 2015. The revised policy aligns with international standards, including the UN Guidelines for the Alternative Care of Children, and includes provisions for family preservation, recruiting foster carers, and promoting deinstitutionalization.

Minister of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation, Chea Somethy, emphasized the policy’s alignment with the government's vision of prioritizing children’s best interests. Will Parks, UNICEF Cambodia Representative, highlighted the policy's importance in promoting children's emotional, psychological, and social growth through family-based care.

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