Helping Children Grow Up In Loving Families

Children In Families’ connection with Vibol began in early 2023 when a partner organization referred him and his widowed mother. Due to his mother’s difficult circumstances, they were concerned that Vibol, a newborn then, would be abandoned. Vibol was born underweight and had health concerns requiring close attention. His mother was overwhelmed. 

In collaboration with the provincial and local authorities and the referring NGO, CIF offered various forms of assistance to attempt to equip Vibol’s mother to care for him. She was willing to try having him in CIF’s temporary emergency care (EC) while she worked on developing her capacity to receive him back. 

While in the care of the EC family, Vibol's temporary family gave him love and attention, along with all the medical care he needed to resolve his health concerns. Meanwhile, his mother received support to build her capacity and resilience. CIF coordinated regular visits to provide opportunity for Vibol to build an attachment with his mother. Unfortunately, despite all efforts toward reunification, his mother still did not feel up to the task. 

CIF would normally then attempt to arrange kinship care through extended family members, but no extended family members were available. 

At ten months old, it was clear to all that Vibol needed a long-term foster care placement. In coordination with local authorities, CIF placed him into a vetted and trained foster family, providing ongoing case management. Since this was their first time raising a baby, they had many questions. 

“At first, I had mixed feelings of excitement and worry. Vibol is our first child. I did not have experience caring for an infant. CIF staff stayed with me and listened to my challenges, to encourage and guide me until I felt confident and comfortable. Now, I feel that I can do it well,” said Vibol’s foster mother.  

Vibol has received so much love, care and protection from not only his foster parents, but their relatives and community as well. They are all happy to see Vibol healthy and thriving. 

CIF and the local authorities continued to dialogue with Vibol’s mother. She was adamant that she was not interested in receiving him back and urged to have him stay with his foster family. Vibol needed a permanent family, so provincial authorities and CIF entered into discussion with the foster family. Would they be willing to make Vibol a permanent member of their family?

“We were so happy when we first heard that we could adopt our little Vibol. We really love him with our hearts. We want him to be well-nurtured and to be with us forever and legally.” 

Vibol's foster parents legally adopted him in November 2024 with CIF supporting his family throughout the process. CIF and the local authorities continue to provide post domestic adoption joint monitoring. Vibol now has the forever family that every child deserves. 

Sincerely,

Lisa, Chanthida, and the CIF Team