PROJECT: Reducing Child Poverty through the promotion of children's active citizenship
DONOR: Sida Civsam through Plan International Cambodia
Extension July 2018-June 2019

During the project extension, efforts focused on strengthening the Family Protection Network (FPN) and Community-Based Child Protection Mechanisms (CBCPM) by building capacity among key actors—CCWC members, Village CBCPMs, and Closed Group members—based on their roles in responding to violence against children (VAC) and related issues. Parents and closed group members also received training on VAC prevention and case referrals.

Questionnaires, developed with Plan International’s technical and M\&E support, were used to assess changes in capacity at the end of the project. Results showed CCWC: 95% of 137 respondents (77 men, 47 women, 4 boys, 9 girls) had average to strong capacity. Village CBCPM: 97% of 325 respondents (135 men, 133 women, 21 boys, 36 girls) showed similar capacity. Closed Groups: 99% of 120 respondents (77 women) demonstrated average or strong capacity. Less than 6% across all groups were identified as having low capacity. Surveys with 551 child club and closed group members (49 men, 79 women, 165 boys, 258 girls) showed that 93% had good understanding of CCWC roles.
All respondents expressed satisfaction with CCWC performance. A similar survey with 534 respondents (41 men, 70 women, 165 boys, 258 girls) found: 95% understood CBCPM functions well. All were satisfied with CBCPM performance.

Additionally, during an annual reflection workshop, 129 stakeholders (judicial police, government authorities, child clubs, CBOs) participated in a self-assessment on coordination in child justice processes. Of them 91% were satisfied with coordination from higher-level authorities. 84% were satisfied with coordination from lower-level teams.

1 January 2015 – 30 June 2018
Project Partnership Team of CCASVA, LAC, NGOCRC and NTFP

Violence and Abuse Cases: 665 cases of violence and abuse against children were addressed (34 cases for children under 6, 192 for ages 6–11, and 397 for ages 12–17). In addition, 32 school dropout cases were resolved by CCWC, School Support Committees (SSC), and Village FPNs, although psychosocial support and social work services remain limited. A total of 186 dropout cases were also tackled by CCWC and SSCs.

Capacity Building: 3,012 Family Protection Network (FPN) members and 593 SSC members improved their ability to prevent and respond to child protection issues. Parent groups (699 with 430 women) and closed groups (1,159 with 589 women) were trained, along with 357 student council members, to identify and report violence and abuse cases.

Community Recognition and Budgeting: 169 recognition papers were issued to community groups. 9% of the commune budget was allocated for child protection and social services. 64 community feedbacks and 25 school suggestions were collected—most of which were addressed.

Child Participation: 203 child club representatives and 561 children raised issues at village to national levels, including 17 concerns addressed during public events. Policymakers committed to discussing these further within their ministries.

Policy Influence: 46 commune/district decisions and 2 CNCC documents recognized the role of child representatives. Their inputs were included in national policies like the Juvenile Justice Law and Child Protection Code of Conduct.

Support for Marginalized Children: 94% of 2,254 children involved were from marginalized groups (e.g., poor households, indigenous communities, children with disabilities, or orphans).

CRC Cambodia and Civil Society Engagement: 94% of 50 CRC Cambodia member organizations strengthened expertise in violence prevention and child advocacy. Two members piloted child participation models in Svay Rieng and Takeo provinces. Seven NGOs achieved GPP certification, and three others are applying.

Advocacy and Law Engagement: CRC Cambodia contributed to draft laws, including the Law on Protection of Witnesses, Experts, and Victims, and collaborated with ACU and UNODC. At least 8 advocacy activities were conducted during International Children’s Day and World Day Against Child Labour, with participation from 47 member organizations.