In this episode of Conversations on Care, Amanda Griffith, CEO of Family for Every Child, speaks with Anderson Selvasegaram from SUKA Society in Malaysia about supporting children who arrive in Malaysia unaccompanied and separated from their families.

SUKA works to identify caregivers in children’s own communities – including kinship carers and other trusted adults. Anderson explains why maintaining connections to language, culture, identity and community can be particularly important for children who arrive as adolescents.

The conversation explores SUKA’s approach to:

• Identifying and assessing caregivers within refugee communities
• Using kinship care, extended family and trusted adults where possible
• Preparing and supporting caregivers before and during placements
• Providing case management and wraparound support for children and families
• Supporting education, healthcare and mental health needs
• Preparing young people for independent living as they approach adulthood
• Working towards family reunification, resettlement or safe return where appropriate
• Advocating for greater protection and systemic change for refugee children in Malaysia

Anderson also discusses the wider challenges facing refugee communities, including limited long-term pathways, the need for government responsibility and the impact of xenophobia and misinformation.

The conversation highlights an important principle: community-based care is not simply about where a child lives. It is about preserving relationships, identity, belonging and connection while ensuring children and caregivers have the support they need.