QUEZON CITY, (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare & Development (DSWD) has strengthened its support to Bahay Pag-asa to make it more conducive to children's rehabilitation and reintegration, as well as for BPA residents to acquire skills that will lead to employment and reintegration, DSWD continues to strengthen its support by turning over assistance package to 84 BPAs nationwide.
The action highlights the observance of the the 11th Juvenile Justrice Week from November 20 - 26, 2022, with the theme, "Pagbabago ay Panigurado kung Tututukan natin ang Juvenile Justice Law!” Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council (JJWC).
The DSWD also led the kick-off ceremony of the 11th JJWeek on Monday, November 21, 2022.
The activity highlights the impact of ensuring the Juvenile Justice Welfare Act (JJWA) is fully implemented in defending and promoting the rights and welfare of our children. It also aims to raise awareness of the JJWA and its implementation among target audiences and encourage children and youth to participate in the planning and implementation of advocacy efforts.
The DSWD has developed six components in responding to the needs of the identified BPAs through a series of consultations, reviews, and validation by JJWC:
1. Staff will be capacitated on managing cases in conflict with the law, behavioral management, the Buklod Paglaom, and integrated management protocol. On the other hand, the residents will receive basic life skills training focusing on problem-solving, decision-making, life goal setting, emotion management, behavioral issues, gender sensitivity training, and livelihood skills training.
2. COVID-19 hygiene and medical kit distribution.
3. Provide materials to facilitate access to justice education and other rehabilitative initiatives. Laptops, printers, LCD projectors, and pocket wifi are provided for virtual monitoring, access to court hearings, online classes, family e-visits, and recording and updating children's cases in the National Juvenile Justice and Welfare Management Information System.
4. Children's subsidies include livelihood training packages, starter kits, and personal care items.
5. Provision of recreational and art materials for therapeutic activities of children to reduce their distress.
6. Provision of sleeping bed mattresses to BPA facilities.
As of July 2022, the Philippines have 96 operational BPAs. 94 BPAs are operated by LGUs, while non-government organizations (NGOs) operate the other 2 BPAs. Out of 96 BPAs nationwide, the National Capital Region (NCR) currently has 16 BPAs. (PIA-NCR)
