Legal Bases
- 1987 Constitution protects children's rights to care, nutrition, and special protection.
- 1991 Local Government Code decentralizes welfare service delivery to LGUs.
- Republic Act 7610 mandates protection of children against abuse and exploitation.
- PD 603 (Child and Youth Welfare Code) emphasizes child welfare and opportunities.
Project Description
- Multi-sectoral, comprehensive program aimed at removing children from street hazards.
- Collaboration of national and local governments, NGOs, business sectors, religious groups, and communities.
Objectives
- Rescue children from streets and prevent further harm.
- Provide basic social services including education, life skills, alternative care.
- Support families through parenting sessions and livelihood assistance.
- Mobilize and strengthen community and institutional partnerships.
Target Clientele and Areas
- Street children under 18 who spend significant time living or working on the streets.
- Activities include vending, scavenging, begging, or roaming without adult supervision.
- Program prioritizes urban areas with high incidence of street children.
Program Components
A. Rescue Operations
- Conducted by LGU social workers, barangay officials, police, and street educators.
- Aim to protect children from exploitation and abuse.
B. Social Mobilization and Networking
- Formation and strengthening of multi-sectoral task forces at city/local levels.
- Involvement of community leaders and stakeholders including children and families.
C. Basic Services Delivery
- Delivered through street-based, center-based, and community-based approaches.
- Street-Based: Outreach and counseling to build trust and encourage positive decisions.
- Center-Based: Temporary residential care providing shelter, education, health, counseling.
- Community-Based: Preventive programs focused on families to enhance caregiving capacity.
- Services include educational assistance, skills training, life skills development, peer support groups, alternative family care, parenting sessions, livelihood development, family counseling, and community advocacy.
D. Capability Building
- Training and seminars for service providers and volunteers to enhance program implementation.
E. Data-Banking and Research
- Continuous data collection and documentation to inform policy and program improvements.
- Incorporation of studies, best practices, and information technology for wider dissemination.
Project Management
- Local Government Units, through multi-sectoral task forces, lead program coordination.
- DSWD provides technical assistance and capacity-building.
Fund Management
- Funds allocated by Local Government Units with augmentation from DSWD and other agencies.
- Proper accounting, disbursement, and liquidation according to existing rules.
Reporting
- LGUs submit quarterly reports to DSWD; national office consolidates and prepares annual reports.
Monitoring and Evaluation
- LGUs oversee monitoring and evaluation.
- Technical support from Council for the Welfare of Children and DSWD.
- Annual meetings for coordination and sharing of directions.
Effectivity
- Order takes immediate effect, superseding conflicting issuances.
Key Definitions
- Child: Person under 18 years of age.
- Abused Child: Child subjected to physical, emotional, psychological harm or deprivation.
- Substance Abuse: Use of substances such as inhalants, alcohol, methamphetamine, tobacco.
- Children in Conflict with the Law: Street children apprehended for legal violations.
- Case Management Team: Multi-disciplinary team to develop intervention plans.
Operating Procedures
A. Street Children Operations
- Street Education: Outreach, counseling, information dissemination.
- Social Preparation: Ocular surveys, informal talks, needs validation before rescue.
- Rescue Operations: Conducted by coordinated teams including LGU social workers and law enforcement.
- Processing/Holding Areas: Provide immediate shelter, food, counseling; stay of 1 week to 1 month.
- Rehabilitation: Family case assessment; psychosocial support; case management.
- Release/Reintegration: Conditions for discharge; coordination for after-care services; organizing former street children for sustainability.
B. Institutional Mechanism
- Multi-agency local task forces with committees covering programs, legal affairs, micro-clusters, law enforcement, media affairs, resource mobilization, volunteer mobilization, and secretariat functions.
- Roles of national agencies including DSWD, DILG, PNP, DOH, DepEd, DTI, and CHR outlined.
- Engagement with NGOs, business sectors, and religious groups to complement government efforts.
Summary of Role of Key Entities
- LGUs: Enact ordinances, integrate child-focused plans, fund programs, mobilize support.
- DILG: Technical assistance, monitor LGUs, coordinate with DSWD.
- PNP: Enforcement, creation of specialized desks, arrest of perpetrators.
- DSWD: Technical guidance, capability building, data management.
- DOH: Health-related support and program formulation.
- DepEd: Educational assistance and non-formal education.
- DTI: Livelihood and entrepreneurial support.
- CHR: Advocacy for child rights.
- NGOs, Business, Religious Groups: Support services, moral and financial backing, community engagement.
This comprehensive program framework balances direct intervention, prevention, rehabilitation, and systemic support to address the complex socio-economic plight of street children in the Philippines.