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9344
AN ACT ESTABLISHING A COMPREHENSIVE JUVENILE JUSTICE AND WELFARE SYSTEM, CREATING THE JUVENILE JUSTICE AND WELFARE COUNCIL UNDER THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFORE AND OTHER PURPOSES OR THE JUVENILE JUSTICE AND WELFARE ACT of 2006
PASWI Davao City Chapter Annual Convention Grand Menseng Hotel, Davao City
Undersecretary, Policy and Programs Group Chair, Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council
ALICIA R. BALA
Coverage
Different stages involving children at risk and child in conflict with the law (CICL) from prevention to rehabilitation and reintegration
Juvenile Justice and Welfare System refers to a system dealing with children at risk and children in conflict with the law, which provides child appropriate proceedings, including programs and services for prevention, diversion, rehabilitation, reintegration and aftercare to ensure their normal growth and development
RESTORATIVE JUSTICE
Principle which requires a process of resolving conflicts with the maximum involvement of the victim, the offender and the community. It seeks to obtain reparation for the victim; reconciliation of the offender, the offended and the community; and reassurance to the offender that he/she can be reintegrated into society.
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LIBERAL CONSTRUCTION
In case of doubt, the interpretation of any of the provisions of this Act, including its implementing rules and regulations (IRR), shall be construed liberally in favor of the child in conflict with the law.
Department of Justice (DOJ); Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD); Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC); Department of Education (DepEd); Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG); Commission on Human Rights (CHR); National Youth Commission (NYC); and Two (2) representatives from non-government organizations
Educational System
Mass Media Local Councils for the Protection of Children (LCPC) Establishment and strengthening of LCPCs 1% of the internal revenue allotment of the barangays, municipalities and cities shall be allocated for the strengthening and implementation of the LCPC Local Social Welfare Officer All LGUs shall appoint a duly licensed social worker as its local social welfare and development officer to assist CICL Sangguniang Kabataan
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If the safety of the child is in danger in view of the alleged commission of the offense, the LSWDO shall encourage the parent or guardian of the child to request for temporary custody of the child to the DSWD or licensed and accredited NGOs. In the event the parent or guardian does not agree to the request for temporary custody of the child, the LSWDO shall carefully review the case of the child and file a petition for involuntary commitment when sanctioned by law, in accordance with P.D. 603 and the SC Rule on Commitment of Children.
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The LSWDO, after the law enforcement officer refers the records of a child who is fifteen (15) years old or above but below eighteen (18) years old, shall prepare a report indicating an assessment if the child acted with discernment for the purpose of determining whether to proceed with intervention or with diversion.
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Rule 34.c. Basis for Assessment of Discernment In making an assessment if the child who is above fifteen (15) years but below eighteen (18) years of age acted with discernment, the LSWDO shall take into consideration: 1. All the facts and circumstances of the case; 2. The educational level and performance of the child in conflict with the law; 3. The appearance, attitude, comportment and behavior of the child in conflict with the law, before, during and after the commission of the offense.
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The LSWDO shall consider only factors that indicate if the child acted with discernment and not indicators of premeditation or intention to commit the alleged offense. The LSWDO shall be further guided by procedures to be prescribed by the DSWD in making an assessment of the presence or absence of discernment. The LSWDO shall endeavor continuously be updated with latest trends in conducting psychosocial analyses of children and research on factors affecting the behavior of children in conflict with the law.
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1. Katarungang Pambarangay level under the Punong Barangay; 2. Police investigation stage under the law enforcement officer; or 3. Inquest or preliminary investigation stage under the prosecutor.
If the offense with the imposable penalty of not more than six (6) years imprisonment is a victimless crime, the diversion proceedings shall be conducted by the LSWDO in coordination with the BCPC. If the imposable penalty for the offense committed exceeds six (6) years of imprisonment but not more than twelve (12) years 19 of imprisonment, diversion may resorted to only by the court.
RULE 45. Diversion at the level of the LSWDO in case of victimless crimes
Rule 45.a. level When diversion is conducted at the LSWDO
Diversion shall be conducted at the level of the LSWDO when after the conduct of initial investigation, the law enforcement officer determines that the child is above 15 but below 18 years of age, acted with discernment and allegedly committed a victimless crime where the imposable penalty is not more than six (6) years of imprisonment. Rule 45.b. Nature of proceedings The LSWDO shall meet with the child and his/her parents or guardians for the development of the appropriate diversion and rehabilitation program, in 20 coordination with the BCPC.
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Confinement of Convicted Children in Agricultural Camp and other Training Facilities Rehabilitation of CICL Under the supervision and guidance of the LSWDO in coordination with his/her parents
The DSWD shall establish a Youth Rehabilitation Center in each region of the country. The center shall provide 24-hour group care, treatment and rehabilitation services under the guidance of trained staff where resident are cared for under a structured therapeutic environment with the end in view of reintegrating them into their families and communities 22
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Rationale
Republic Act No. 9344 or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006 provides a paradigm shift from retributive to restorative justice giving emphasis on rehabilitating the CICL rather than punishing him/her. The law provides CICL the opportunity and chance thru alternative child-appropriate measures to reform and be reintegrated to the family and community. With the laws totally new and different approach in the management of CICL, it is necessary to provide the social workers with a common frame of reference to effectively carry out their mandate. The guidelines shall cover the procedures for social workers to undertake in providing interventions and diversion programs to rehabilitate and eventually reintegrate CICL with 25 his/her family and into the mainstream of society.
Coverage
These procedures shall apply to social workers of the following:
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Procedure . . .
2. File a petition for involuntary commitment to court if: abandoned, neglected or abused by the parents or guardians there is a threat to the safety of the child but parents refuse to provide custody Parents refuse to comply with the intervention 28 program
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Procedure . . .
2. Upon receipt of referral, not exceeding one week if possible, prepare an assessment report on the absence or presence of discernment in the commitment of the crime.
If victim is minor, another social worker should handle the case. If outside jurisdiction, endorsement to the other LGU social should be accompanied by complete supporting documents
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3. Submit the report to the law enforcement officer. If without discernment, manage the case similar to that of a 15-year old or below CICL. If with discernment, victimless, penalty not exceeding six years of imprisonment, the following shall be undertaken: a. Determine if diversion is appropriate and desirable
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b. If diversion is inappropriate and undesirable, issue a certification and refer case to the prosecutor. If prosecutor diverts the case, social worker assists in the proceedings.
If prosecutor submits case to court for trial, the social worker recommends release on recognizance, custody supervision or post bail. If not possible, recommend the childs transfer to a youth detention home or rehabilitation center.
c. If diversion appropriate and desirable, develop an appropriate diversion program
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4. When agreements have been reached, the child and his/her parents together with the C/MSWDO shall sign a diversion contract containing all actions to be undertaken by all parties. 5. C/MSWDO to implement diversion program with the assistance of the community. 6. Come up with a system of monitoring compliance of CICL and his parents to the diversion contract. 7. If CICL fails to comply with the diversion contract, certify that there is failure to the contract and refer case to prosecutor.
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In cases where there are victims, the LSWDO shall only supervise the conduct of diversion which shall be handled either by the BCPC, the law enforcement officer or the prosecutor. To supervise means to ensure that the right of the CICL is protected during the proceedings and the diversion program being developed promotes the CICLs best interest.
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What to Observe . . .
a. Explain intent clearly to the child, his/her family and the victim, if present.
b. Clearly emphasize benefits to the CICL. c. Observe confidentiality. d. Encourage CICL to express himself/herself especially when deciding on the appropriate diversion programs. e. Consider religious belief, cultural orientation, intellectual and physical ability, financial situation of the CICLs family and similar concerns in choosing a diversion program
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What to Observe . . .
f. Use language and expressions that are easily understood by the CICL and are child-friendly. g. Allow CICL to read diversion contract before signing. h. Schedule of diversion proceedings not to interfere with the CICLs attendance to school and shall ensure that he/she understands it. i. The diversion proceedings shall be completed within 45 days upon submission of the case for diversion. When no agreements are reached after 45 days, the proceedings shall be terminated. The case shall then be filed according to regular process 37
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The following shall be considered when formulating a diversion program: 1. Nature and circumstances of the offense charged. 2. Frequency and the severity of the act. 3. Background and circumstances of the CICL. 4. Influence of the family and environment on the growth of the child and on family relationship.
6. The CICLs feelings of remorse for the offense he/she committed. 7. The parents ability to guide, supervise, and support the CICL. 8. The victims view about the propriety of the measures to be imposed. 9. The availability of community-based programs for the rehabilitation and reintegration of the child. 10.Record of prior offense, if any.
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1. Assess the needs and circumstances with focus on the following: a. Physical and psychosocial well-being
b. Perceptions and feelings to present situation/problem and other significant events in his/her life. c. What has been or could be done about the situation of the child.
d. Parents parenting capability, roles and functions of family members, behavior control/problem-solving patterns for handling conflict situation/social interaction.
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f. Responsiveness and involvement of the members to provide and sustain emotional support to one another especially to the child victim. g. Family members moral conduct.
h. Acceptance of the community to the CICL.
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2. Formulate treatment plan in agreement with the CICL and or his/her family/relatives. 3. Implement treatment plan in coordination with BCPC members, other disciplines and other center staff, if in an institution. Explore other forms of alternative parental care, when necessary.
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