Enhancement Training on Child Protection Laws to BCPC concerning appropriate intervention on Child in Conflict (CICL)

Enhancement training on child protection laws for the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) is crucial for ensuring that community leaders are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and tools to effectively respond to situations involving children in conflict with the law (CICL). This training aims to strengthen the capacities of barangay officials and BCPC members to uphold children’s rights, provide appropriate interventions, and prevent further harm to children.

Key Components of the Training:

1. Overview of Child Protection Laws The training must include a comprehensive overview of relevant child protection laws in the Philippines, such as:
   • Republic Act No. 7610 (Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act)
   • Republic Act No. 9344 (Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006)
   • Republic Act No. 10630 (Strengthening the Juvenile Justice System)
   • Republic Act No. 9262 (Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004)
   This section ensures that BCPC members understand their legal obligations and how these laws provide frameworks for handling children in conflict with the law (CICL).
2. Roles and Responsibilities of the BCPC The BCPC plays a critical role in child protection at the barangay level, and the training should highlight:
   • Prevention: Programs that help prevent children from becoming involved in unlawful activities, such as youth development programs, sports, and skills training.
   • Intervention: When a child is in conflict with the law, the BCPC must ensure that interventions are child-sensitive and rights-based.
   • Referral Systems: BCPC should be familiar with the referral pathways for children in conflict with the law, connecting them to appropriate government or non-government organizations for assistance.
   • Support for Families: The BCPC can help strengthen family support systems, preventing breakdowns that may lead to children’s involvement in unlawful behavior.
3. Understanding Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL) The training must provide insights into:
   • Who are CICL: These are children who have committed an offense, which requires a unique approach because they are still minors. It is important to understand the distinction between adult offenders and CICL in terms of treatment and legal processes.
   • Psychological and Social Factors: The training must cover factors like poverty, family dysfunction, and peer pressure that may push children into conflict with the law.
   • Risk and Protective Factors: Training should help identify risk factors (e.g., substance abuse, family issues) and protective factors (e.g., school involvement, community programs) that affect CICL.
4. Appropriate Interventions for CICL Interventions for CICL must be rehabilitative rather than punitive, as children have the right to reintegration into society. The BCPC should be trained on:
   • Diversion Programs: Under Republic Act No. 9344, CICL under 15 years old are exempt from criminal liability. Instead of going through the formal justice system, the child can undergo diversion programs at the barangay level. The BCPC must know how to develop, implement, and monitor these programs, which can include:
     • Counseling and psychosocial interventions
     • Skills training or educational support
     • Community service and restorative justice measures
   • Rehabilitation and Reintegration: For older children or those who have committed more serious offenses, the training should emphasize coordination with juvenile rehabilitation centers and support services aimed at reintegrating children into their families and communities.
   • Handling CICL with Sensitivity: The training should stress the importance of handling CICL with a child-friendly approach, ensuring that children are treated with dignity, without judgment, and that their personal safety is a priority.
5. Coordination with Local Government Units (LGUs) and Juvenile Justice Bodies Barangay officials need to work closely with other agencies such as:
   • Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council (JJWC): The BCPC must coordinate with the JJWC for more complex cases requiring intervention beyond the barangay level.
   • Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD): The BCPC should know when and how to refer cases to the DSWD for professional social services.
   • Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): Barangay officials can work with NGOs that offer specialized services for CICL, such as mental health support, legal assistance, and educational programs.
6. Legal and Ethical Aspects The training must cover legal processes in the handling of CICL, including:
   • Confidentiality: Ensuring the protection of the identity and privacy of CICL in all stages of the process.
   • Non-discrimination: All interventions must be free from bias, ensuring that all children, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or socioeconomic background, receive fair and equal treatment.
   • Monitoring and Documentation: Proper record-keeping and monitoring of CICL cases to ensure the child’s welfare is maintained and to track the progress of interventions.
7. Community Involvement The training should emphasize the importance of community engagement in child protection. The BCPC can work with local stakeholders, such as schools, churches, and youth organizations, to:
   • Raise awareness about child protection laws and children’s rights.
   • Encourage the participation of children and youth in developing community-based programs for their peers.
   • Promote a culture of child protection and advocacy, ensuring that the community acts as a safeguard against abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
8. Case Studies and Simulation Exercises The training should include practical exercises such as role-playing, case study analysis, and simulations of how to respond to a CICL scenario. This allows barangay officials to practice what they have learned and improve their capacity to make quick and effective decisions in real-life situations.

Expected Outcomes of the Training:

• Increased Awareness: BCPC members and barangay officials will have a deeper understanding of child protection laws and their role in protecting CICL.
• Improved Interventions: The barangay will be better equipped to handle cases of CICL, ensuring that interventions are rehabilitative and focus on the child’s reintegration into society.
• Stronger Community Engagement: Barangay councils will be able to mobilize their communities to prevent children from becoming involved in illegal activities and protect children at risk.
• Enhanced Coordination: Barangays will improve their coordination with other government agencies and NGOs to provide holistic support for CICL.

By providing this comprehensive enhancement training, the BCPC can ensure a stronger, more child-friendly approach in handling cases of CICL, preventing further harm, and promoting a rehabilitative path for children involved in unlawful activities.