The era of the mega-orphanage is ending. In its place, a more humane and scientifically supported model is rising: Community-Based Care (CBC). But what does this look like in practice?
The Family Reintegration Model
We visited a pilot program in Battambang where social workers are actively reintegrating children. The process is complex: it involves assessing the biological family's safety, providing economic support (like rice or small business grants) to address the poverty that caused the separation, and regular follow-up visits.
'We found that for the cost of keeping one child in an institution for a month ($200+), we could support an entire family for six months.' — Sophea Chan
Challenges Remain
Reintegration is not without risks. Sending a child back to an abusive or dangerously poor home is worse than keeping them in care. This is why professional social work is the backbone of the system. Without trained case managers to monitor the families, the system fails.
We strongly encourage donors to fund organizations that invest in social work training and family strengthening programs rather than building more dormitories.