Social Service and Counselling Division
- Establishment of a division staffed with qualified personnel, including registered social workers.
- Chief must have a Master’s degree in Social Work and at least ten years of supervisory experience.
- Appointment by Secretary of Justice and paid as fixed by the City Council.
- Responsibilities include social case studies, probation, counselling, and other social services.
- May recommend consultative services of psychiatrists, psychologists, or specialists.
Definition of "Dependent" or "Neglected" Child
- A child sixteen years old or under who is destitute, homeless, abandoned, or lacking proper parental care or guardianship.
- Also includes children living in houses of ill repute or with vicious/disreputable persons, or homes unfit due to parental neglect, cruelty, or depravity.
Juvenile Delinquency Proceedings
- Upon a minor’s plea of not guilty, a social case study by court social workers is mandatory before trial.
- Detention facilities for minors are supervised by the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court under approved standards.
Proceedings in Custody Cases
- Applications involving child custody, separated parents, vagrant or abused children refer to specific rules of the Revised Rules of Court.
Custody of Dependent or Neglected Children Pending Proceedings
- Social Welfare Administration or any accredited Quezon City agency may file verified petitions for dependent or neglected children.
- Petitions must detail child’s parental or guardian information and be supported by social case studies.
- Summons issued to parents or guardians residing in the city; hearings set accordingly.
- If parents/guardians unavailable, court appoints a representative for the child.
- Court may assume interim custody for child’s welfare during trial.
- City fiscal may assist in filings and proceedings.
- Hearings are informal, not bound by technical procedural rules.
- Court may order custody arrangements, including placement with authorized persons or agencies.
- Parents or guardians’ rights are suspended except as imposed by the court.
- Institutions caring for such children subject to court visitation, inspection, and reporting.
- Court may change guardians or seek adoption if in child’s best interest.
- Court may allow child to remain at home under specific court supervision if appropriate.
Domestic Relations Proceedings
- Hearings between spouses or parent and child are private and confidential.
- Cases referred to Social Service and Counselling Division immediately after issues are joined.
- Parties may request conciliation before issues are joined; hearings suspended pending conciliation.
- Failure to settle leads to trial on merits.
- Parties are required to attend conciliation; non-appearance may result in contempt citation.
Procedures for Other Cases
- Cases not covered by specific provisions follow the Rules of Court and applicable laws.
Appeals
- Decisions and orders of the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court appealable like those from Courts of First Instance.
Court Personnel and Record Keeping
- Court is a court of record with appointed clerk and subordinate staff.
- Personnel appointed by Secretary of Justice with compensation set by City Council.
Case Transfer and Implementation
- Pending cases from City Court and Court of First Instance transferred upon court organization.
- Funding for salaries, consultants, and incidental expenses provided by city government, with initial payment from National Treasury if needed.
- Court to be established within one year of the Act’s approval.
- Act effective immediately upon approval.