Juvenile justice welfare network launched in SK

KORONADAL
CITY - To address the escalating problems on children in conflict with the law
(CICL), advocates of children’s rights have consolidated efforts in Sultan
Kudarat with the help of the Department of Social Welfare and Development
(DSWD) Region XII.

Dennis
Domingo, DSWD 12 Information Officer, said it is expected that human rights
protection of CICL will be ensured with the launching recently of the Juvenile
Justice Welfare Network (JJWN).

The group
is composed of representatives from the 7 pillars of the juvenile justice
system namely, the court, prosecution, public attorney’s office, corrections,
social worker, law enforcement and the community.

JJWN-Sultan
Kudarat is planning to build a house that will serve as temporary home and
rehabilitation center for CICL.

Because of
lack of facility, children in conflict with the law has nowhere to go, hopefully
the problem can be addressed with the organization of JJWN,” Domingo told DXOM
FM Koronadal Wenesday.

To gain more
support from them, JJWN, headed by Provincial Social Welfare and Development
Officer Henry Albano, is now strengthening its coordination with the local
government of Sultan Kudarat.

For them
to materialize their projects, JJWN needs funds from the local government
unit,” Domingo said.

Through monitoring,
evaluation, formulation and development of programs, JJWN will help in solving
problems on CICL and ensure their welfare and protection.

It will
advocate the proper implementation of Juvenile Justice Welfare Act of 2006 or
RA 9344 and is expected to guarantee full implementation of comprehensive
juvenile intervention program that will focus in the rehabilitation and
reintegration to the community of CICL.