The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Cambodia has issued a Request for Information (RFI), identified as RFI-442-25-001, for an initiative called "Child Protection and Care" (CPC). The purpose of this RFI is to gather insights and feedback from stakeholders regarding the design and implementation of a future program aimed at strengthening Cambodia’s child protection and care system. The envisioned program, with an estimated budget between $5 and $7.5 million, seeks to support underserved and marginalized children, ensuring that they can thrive in safe, nurturing, and permanent family-based care with birth, kin, or local adoptive families.
USAID’s CPC initiative aims to prevent unnecessary family separation, reintegrate children from residential care into family-based care, and provide alternatives for children who cannot return to their families. Additionally, the program will focus on children with disabilities, promoting inclusive community services to support them and their families.
USAID is particularly interested in how this initiative can support family-based care, address gaps in the social service workforce, and improve coordination between governmental and non-governmental entities. The initiative builds on the U.S. Government's Thrive Strategy, which promotes nurturing, family-based care over institutionalization, and aligns with Cambodian government policies, including the “Action Plan on Improving Alternative Care for Children” (2023-2027).
Stakeholders are invited to provide input by October 28, 2024, regarding potential opportunities, risks, best practices, and lessons learned from similar initiatives, especially related to preventing family separation and transitioning from residential care to family-based services. This feedback will inform the design of the final program. However, it is important to note that this RFI is not a funding opportunity and is solely for planning and information-gathering purposes.
