DOJ launches revised protocols for management of child victims

The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Thursday launched the revised protocols for the case management of child victims of abuse, neglect, and exploitation, which now also covers discrimination.

The protocol of the Committee for the Special Protection of Children (CSPC) provides guidelines for the identification, reporting, investigation, case management, legal proceedings, rehabilitation, reintegration, and prevention of such cases.

“And this revised protocol, we hope and we aspire, would help us — everybody in government — help us guide in our sworn duty as duty bearers and as the lead agencies in the protection and promotion of child victims,” Justice Undersecretary Raul Vasquez said in his speech.

He said that the revised protocol is also a manifestation of the renewed commitment of the DOJ and other agencies.

Meanwhile, Justice Undersecretary Jesse Andres said that such protocols are important to assure victims that they will be heard.

“Somewhere in our country, a child is deciding whether to tell her story or not. She wonders, who will believe her? Whether she will be saved. Whether her telling will make her life worse,” he said.

“Our answer must be simple and true: You will be heard, you will be safe, and we will move quickly, and we will stand with you until you can stand on your own,” he added.

Aside from this, the protocol is intended to be implemented overseas by Philippine foreign service posts, Migrant Workers offices, and the Office of the Welfare attaches in connection with reporting cases to agencies in the country.

Also present in the event were representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Commission on Human Rights, the Council of the Welfare of Children, Bureau of Immigration, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Education, Philippine National Police, National Bureau of Investigation, Department of Health, the Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Tourism, Child Protection Network, and the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund. — Joahna Lei Casilao/RSJ, GMA Integrated News