This article discusses a new set of standards for orphanages that the Cambodian Ministry of Social Affairs plans to begin enforcing. The new standards (known as the sub-decree on the management of residential care centers) are part of an effort to move towards family- and community-based care rather than institutionalization.
In Cambodia, the number of orphanages has ballooned over the last decade, despite recognition among child care experts that institutional care should be a last resort. Officials from the Social Affairs Ministry said they were prepared to review and possibly shut down orphanages that did not meet minimum standards by March 11, 2016. One organization that currently runs orphanages across Cambodia has reported that it would be very difficult for it to meet the standards by the deadline, and that it has nowhere to place the children currently living in its orphanages should it be forced to shut down.