NCJ Number
216931
Date Published
2006
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This paper first describes social and economic conditions in the Philippines that place a significant percentage of children and youth at risk for criminal behavior, followed by a description of programs and services intended to promote the healthy social development of children and youth.
Abstract
Nearly 6 million children and youth in the Philippines are at risk for the development of antisocial and criminal lifestyles and/or some form of victimization. These include "street" children, young victims of armed conflict, children and youth exposed to hazardous working conditions, those who have been sexually abused, children under the jurisdiction of the justice system, abandoned and neglected children, and children who are being sexually exploited commercially. Brief descriptions of programs and services for children and youth are presented under the various agencies responsible for the programs. The Department of Social Welfare and Development has mounted programs designed to strengthen families and provide for community services that facilitate the healthy development of children and youth. The Philippine National Police operates a Child Protection Program and sponsors activities that promote the welfare of children. Specialized police units focus on women and children who are victims of violence. The National Youth Commission is the sole policymaking and coordinating body for all youth programs and projects of the Philippine Government. Nine of the programs are described. The Council for the Welfare of Children is the focal coordinating agency of the Philippine Government in addressing concerns related to children and youth. It coordinates and monitors the implementation of all laws, programs, and services for children. It is responsible for ensuring that all actions by the Philippine Government comply with the Philippine National Strategic Framework for Plan Development for Children, 2000-2025. 23 references