Stricter juvenile law sought

MANILA, Philippines – The United Nations Children’s Educational Fund (UNICEF) yesterday pushed for stronger implementation of the country’s juvenile law by increasing the capacity of its implementors and intensifying “diversion programs” for children in conflict with the law.

Atty. Albert Muyot, UNICEF Child Protection specialist, said the Juvenile Justice Law has not been “well-enforced” since its enactment in 2006 because of some “misconceptions” on the part of its implementors – law enforcers and social workers – as well as the public.

Muyot said while the law provides a great opportunity for ensuring the protection of the rights of children in conflict with the law, it also poses major challenges in terms of building the capacity of communities to implement diversion programs for children who commit non-serious offenses as an alternative to criminal prosecution and detention.

“There is need to empower and support local social workers and barangay officials in building their capacities to implement community-based programs,” Muyot told The STAR.

“Because until now they (social workers) don’t know what to do and we need to train them,” he said.

Muyot said the UNICEF is helping the Philippine government in training police and social workers to properly administer cases of child offenders.

Muyot said the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is currently conducting training for social workers.

However, he said in order to speed up the process, there is need for the DSWD to collaborate with non-government organizations and other concerned agencies.

Muyot also said there is a need to intensify “non-judicial measures” or “diversion” approach that rehabilitates child offenders without detaining and charging them in court.

“These measures, which include counseling, re-schooling and vocational training for children and parent education seminars and microfinancing services for their parents, have proven effective in the reintegration of these children into society,” Muyot said.

These interventions would help the child avoid committing a crime again, he said.

Muyot said Cebu City is successful in implementing diversion programs for children in conflict with the law.

“Twenty barangays in Cebu City have been implementing community-based diversion programs for child offenders since 2002,” he said. “To date, only four out of 500 child offenders commit crimes again after the rehabilitation.”

Muyot said Baguio City is also conducting vocational training for child offenders. – Helen Flores