Question & AnswerQ&A (KKPP DEPARTMENT ORDER NO. 08, S. 1995)
The general objective is to provide opportunities for the treatment and rehabilitation of children in conflict with the law and their families to enable them to become self-reliant, productive, and contributing members of the community.
Children in conflict with the law include youth offenders on release on recognizance or under custody supervision, and youth offenders who have been released from Regional Rehabilitation Centers for the Youth or whose cases have been dismissed or terminated.
Community volunteers assist Senior Social Workers in treatment and rehabilitation, advocacy, and networking within the community, providing flexible, closer relationships with youth offenders and their families without the perceived authority of official persons.
Volunteers can be recruited from members of the Elderly Association, Parent Effective Service Volunteers, youth members of the Pag-asa Youth Movement, members of Women Group Associations, and other individuals/groups such as civic and religious organizations.
Volunteers must have good moral character, community recognition, enthusiasm and time for the work, good health, communication skills, and willingness to be trained as Volunteers for Youth.
They undergo a three-day training covering awareness of self, situation of children in conflict with the law, international and local laws on youth offenders, DSWD programs, volunteer roles, understanding dynamics of delinquent youth and families, handling and counseling techniques, plus a three-month on-the-job skills training.
Services include casework and counseling, self-employment assistance, practical skills development, educational assistance, legal services, medical/health assistance, and other support services in coordination with government and non-government organizations.
Legal assistance includes provision of honorarium to legal counsel after final litigation and judgment, supported by a case study and certification from the legal counsel regarding services rendered.
Each volunteer is assigned 3 to 5 cases for intensive monitoring and follow-up, working closely with the Senior Social Worker to review and implement rehabilitation plans.
Monitoring is conducted quarterly by the Bureau of Child and Youth Welfare staff and monthly or quarterly by Social Welfare Specialists, with mid-year and year-end evaluations to assess implementation, identify gaps, and recommend policy changes.
Volunteers receive training subsidies (maximum ₱1,050), monthly food and transportation allowances between ₱300 to ₱500, and supplies as needed. Youth offenders also receive financial assistance for self-employment, skills training, educational needs, and transportation according to specified maximum amounts.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) - Bureau of Child and Youth Welfare coordinates the overall implementation, providing technical assistance, training, evaluation, and maintaining data banks on the project.
They maintain social case study reports, collaborate with the Senior Social Worker, introduce volunteers to the community and justice system, supervise volunteer activities, prepare proposals for assistance, facilitate reimbursement of volunteer expenses, and submit reports.
Assistance is prioritized for elementary and high school graduating clients and includes school supplies, uniforms, clothing, footwear, food, and transportation allowance, supported by enrollment certificates and periodic school reports.
It complies with the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Administration of Juvenile Justice (Beijing Rules) and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, to which the Philippines is a State Party.