2019 Volume 19 Pages 22-34
This paper focuses on youth served by a residential care institution (RCI) in Cambodia, where de-institutionalization is moving forward. The purpose of this paper is to capture the characteristics of youth served by the RCI, and to reveal the function of the RCI toward discharged youth. The method of study involved reviewing intake-interview data of 379 youth, conducting and analyzing information obtained from semi-structured interviews of 48 discharged youth, conducting a participatory observation of the institution, as well as performing three follow-up surveys. The study found that the RCI served the following two functions: 1) to provide a daily living environment and secure residents’ right to education resulting in economic stability following discharge; and 2) to provide support towards residents’ smooth transition to life following discharge.
