In this blog post for Medium, Sarah Gesiriech, the U.S. Government Special Advisor on Children in Adversity, shares the U.S. Government's whole-of-government commitment to investing in the development, care, dignity, and safety of the world’s most vulnerable children as laid out in Advancing Protection and Care for Children in Adversity: A U.S. Government Strategy for International Assistance (APCCA). "The best investment a country can make to eliminate extreme poverty, boost economic growth, and promote a peaceful society is to invest in its children. When the family unit is strong, all other goals and outcomes for children are well within reach," says Gesiriech. "Ensuring that every child can survive, thrive, and reach his or her full potential is central to each country’s long-term development and will ultimately produce positive gains in families, communities, and the nations where they live."
The blog post describes the work of a local social worker in Cambodia to support families to "protect their children and provide a nurturing and loving environment essential for healthy development even in the face of threats and challenges." Gesiriech explains how the social worker helps families stay together by providing support that allows families to care for their children at home, instead of sending them to orphanages. USAID and other US Government agencies have committed to support Cambodia and many other countries to strengthen and prioritize families and children through this five-year strategy, in partnership with faith actors, community organizations, and the private sector.
"The strategy is ambitious. With the expertise and bold commitment of our U.S. Government partners, including the U.S. Departments of Labor and State; the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; the National Institutes of Health; and the Peace Corps, our mandate for action is realistic and achievable."