As a social work professional with years of experience working with children in conflict with the law, we have witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of juvenile delinquency. Despite various intervention programs developed by different agencies and the government's efforts to reduce this behavior, the number of cases has continued to rise. The Philippines, in particular, has seen a skyrocketing number of Filipino children in conflict with the law, with thousands of children being arrested and detained each year. Throughout our career, we have come to realize that a child's environment, including their family and community, plays a significant role in their behavior. We strongly believe that a series of activities, such as counseling, skills training, education, and other activities that may enhance a child's psychological, emotional, and psycho-social well-being, may address the issues that could cause a child to commit an offense. However, the family is the most critical factor in helping the child towards transformation. When families cannot provide care, love, and guidance during the turbulent years of adolescence, peer groups become the source of support and a sense of belonging.
As part of the Manila Youth Reception Center (MYRC) and a Social Work Professor, we have encountered challenges in helping these children due to their unfortunate situation. MYRC has provided guidance and opportunities that are significant in enabling children to overcome their struggles and have a "second chance" in life. However, MYRC does not have concrete programs and services to help children in conflict with the law in their transformational change. The MYRC management is currently developing a comprehensive package of programs and services aimed at addressing the immediate needs of the children in conflict with the law, the speedy disposition of their cases, and their spiritual, behavioral, cognitive, and transformational change.
Despite RA 10630 taking effect on November 7, 2013, gaps or challenges still exist in implementing the amended Act. The first challenge is the lack of compliance with various provisions of the law. In this book, we aim to explore the various theories behind high rates of juvenile delinquency, provide a means of understanding this behavior, and create a platform for developing better intervention measures. We share our experiences at MYRC, the challenges that we have encountered, and the solutions that the management is developing. We also discuss the importance of compliance with various provisions of the law to effectively address juvenile delinquency.
Together, we believe we can create a more just society that promotes health, safety, justice, and equity, where a better world is indeed possible for children in conflict with the law. Their journey is like the air we breathe. They are embedded in our institutions, structures, and norms. Indeed, most of the time, we are even hardly aware of them, much less the way they shape our experience and our understanding of our experiences. We hope that this book will inspire change and encourage action towards a better future for all.
