Getting Started: You'll begin by contacting us with any questions. We'll provide information about the program and answer your questions.

Application Process:  We'll send you a general application form that looks like this. You will need to complete it to the best of your ability before one of our local team representatives can give you a test kit.  We will explain the process clearly.

Communication & Follow-Up: After you submit your application, we will send you a confirmation email outlining the next steps, providing timelines, and managing expectations.

Data Collection & Consent: We'll collect your personal information and answers to questions that are designed only for the purposes of helping you trace your family members. You'll be asked to sign a consent form - online or hard copy - for us to manage your data. We take data privacy very seriously and are compliant with the strictest of GDPR regulations.

Sample Collection: This can be done both individually at home or with a Reconnecting Cambodia local team representative. If doing it yourself, we will provide detailed instructions and a kit for collecting your DNA sample, which you will have to mail with a postage stamp to My Heritage’s Texas lab. Once completed you will need to let us know so that we can keep an eye out for the results. If we assist you in your sample collection in person, we will post your completed sample ourselves. In either case, we will activate your test at My Heritage under our Reconnecting Cambodia project.

Results: Once the My Heritage lab receives your DNA sample, it takes about 4-8 weeks for it to be analyzed. You will be notified when the results are ready and be invited by a link from My Heritage to view your unique DNA profile. We will guide you through the results and any close relative matches you receive. For us a first and second cousin and closer is considered close. You will be protected from anyone matched with you wanting to contact you, as they have to communicate through our account’s inbox. And likewise, we can make initial contact for you. Only when both parties are happy to be connected will we put you both in touch.

Data Security: Your information will be stored securely and confidentially, and we maintain strict compliance with data privacy regulations. We take privacy very seriously. Information about applicants and participants will not be shared with any 3rd party outside the Reconnecting Cambodia project: Reconnecting Cambodia, DNACambodia and KFCO (all operating under the strictest international and local country law and regulations) and all details will remain strictly confidential. See the Reconnecting Cambodia project’s Privacy Policy here. Read more about My Heritage’s Privacy Policy here. 

Ongoing Support: Safeguarding your wellbeing is our top priority. We work closely with partner organizations, trauma experts and sociologists, with the aim to provide the necessary emotional and psychological support throughout your search and ultimately we hope, during a reunion and aftercare.

Feedback:  We value your feedback and welcome your input on your experience. This feedback helps us improve our services. Please write to us on info@reconnectingcambodia.org.