Cooperation Needed For Success Of RP's Juvenile Justice Law

ZAMBOANGA CITY (Uly Israel / 07 Oct) - The success of the Juvenile Justice Welfare Law hinges on the creation and composition of the Juvenile Justice Welfare Council to be composed of representatives from the government, non-government organizations and other sectors.

Local Council woman Milabel Velasquez, who heads the Sangguniang Panlungsod’s Committee on Women and Family, said she sees a brighter future for the children once the Juvenile Justice Welfare Law is fully enforced throughout the country.

“Another requirement is for all social welfare officers to be familiar with the salient provisions of the law so that they may effectively manage cases and bring about more positive results,” Velasquez said.

She said no less than the author of Republic Act 9344 Senator Francis Pangilinan has assured that victims of crimes committed by youth offenders could seek justice under the new law.

Velasquez was among the 400 participants who attended the 10th National Forum of Social Welfare Officers and legislators at the Centennial Hall of the Manila Hotel this week. She spoke to Pangilinan during the forum.

Velasquez said under the Juvenile Justice System, youth offenders who are 15 years old and below are exempted from facing criminal charges in court. However, the policy of involuntary confinement will have to be applied where the youth offenders shall be subjected to extensive rehabilitation through various intervention schemes.

These intervention schemes include psycho-social counseling, education, skills and livelihood and other disciplinary trainings.

Velasquez explained that youth offenders who are 15 years old but not more than 18 years of age maybe exempted from criminal liability unless they acted with discernment.

She said a new rehabilitation center equipped with facilities for children in conflict with the law will have to be set up in Zamboanga City, and this may require a huge sum of money.

Under the Juvenile Justice System, the volume of work and the responsibility of child management lies heavily on the social welfare officers, and that "any inefficiencies in case management could unnecessarily result to a defeat in the basic intent and purpose of the statute," Velasquez cautioned.

RA 9344 was signed into law early this year. (Mindanao Examiner)