A new partnership for family-based care reform in Cambodia

We are honoured to announce a partnership between Amyas Valora Foundation (AVF) and This Life, supporting over 200 children and their families at a moment of profound disruption and opportunity.

In 2023, as Cambodia accelerated its transition away from orphanages and toward family-based care, many residential care centres (orphanages) closed, some due to non-compliance with national standards and others as part of sector-wide funding realignment. These uncoordinated closures left hundreds of children displaced, often without the preparation or support needed to return safely to family or community life.

Now, rising tensions along the Thai–Cambodia border have disrupted livelihoods and placed additional strain on these already vulnerable children and families. This convergence of factors has again heightened the risk of unnecessary family separation and underscored the urgent need for coordinated, family-centred responses.

With AVF’s timely support, This Life and our local government partners are delivering immediate, intensive case management, ensuring that every one of the over 200 affected children receives wraparound support, including education, healthcare, mental health care, livelihoods, and food assistance. Our long-term goal is clear: no child should be placed in institutional care simply because their family is impacted by poverty-related circumstances.

This initiative contributes to Cambodia’s national care reform program, which is shifting decisively away from institutional care and toward strengthening families and community-based solutions.

“Every child, no matter their background or circumstance, deserves the chance to grow up in a safe, nurturing family – not an institution. Together with Amyas Valora Foundation and the Cambodian government, we’re responding to urgent needs while driving sustainable, positive change for the future of Cambodia’s children.” Billy Gorter, Executive Director, This Life

Follow our journey: https://www.facebook.com/thislifecambodia