|
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
370 kids suffered sexual abuse in Central Visayas in 2003: report
The year 2003 was not good for children in Central Visayas.
It saw 58 cases of abandoned children and 306 cases of neglected children. Victims of sexual exploitation or minors who were
forced into prostitution or victims of pedophiles numbered 20.
Some 370 children also suffered sexual abuse, while 154 were physically abused. About 455 were cited for juvenile delinquency. The year also saw 24 children engaged in child labor, and two victimized by child trafficking.
Ma. Jaybee Jonafe Carillo, regional information officer of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), said the victims were either brought to their rehabilitation facilities or released to their parents, albeit with constant monitoring by a senior social welfare officer.
She said the department is working towards a zero-child-facility.
They hope to find foster parents for children one year and above, and placed the other kids up for adoption, she said.
“Our adoption process is slow so we do it also regional, national and even international with countries that we have bilateral relationship,” she said.
Carillo said foster parenthood is an agreement between the DSWD and an interested couple, while adoption undergoes court process.
As of now, she said the DSWD is not ready to implement Republic Act 9344 or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006, because its implementing rules are still being drafted.
The law mandates that children 15 years old and below should be referred to a community-based center or a government agency that can provide them shelter and care instead of being detained.
It also provides that children in contrast with the law will undertake a diversion program that will involve their family, community and local barangay officials. (AIV)
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (July 4, 2006 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board.Click here. |
|
[return to top]
[home]
[network page]
|
LOCAL NEWS
BUSINESS
OPINION
SPORTS
LIFESTYLE
FEATURE
SUPERBALITA
WEEKEND
|
