JUVENILE DELINQUENCY AND CRIME PREVENTION

Juvenile Delinquency

1. Conduct by a juvenile characterized by antisocial behavior that is beyond parental control and
therefore subject to legal action.
2. A violation of the law committed by a juvenile and not punishable by death or life
imprisonment.
3. A delinquent is one who fails to do that which is required by law or by duty when such failure
is minor in nature.
4. The term is often used to refer to a juvenile who commits a minor criminal act—juvenile
delinquents.
5. Refers to criminal acts performed by juveniles. Criminal behavior committed by minors.

Distinction between Crime and Delinquency

 Crime is an act that breaks criminal code which is created by society though written law,
delinquency and deviance can be acts that merely break 'cultural law' or norms.
 Delinquency is usually specific and descriptive of age. The legal concept of delinquency
simply states which type of behavior is forbidden by law, in which state, for which age
group of children and so forth.

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child defines a child as "every human
being below the age of 18 years unless under the law applicable to the child, majority is
attained earlier".

Child’s Basic Rights

 Right to life
 His or her own name and identity,

 To be raised by his or her parents within a family or cultural grouping and have a
relationship with both parents, even if they are separated.
 The child must be given the means requisite for its normal
development, both materially and spiritually.
 The child that is hungry must be fed; the child that is sick must be
nursed; the child that is backward must be helped; the delinquent
child must be reclaimed; and the orphan and the waif must be
sheltered and scoured.
 The child must be the first to receive relief in times of distress.
 The child must be put in a position to earn a livelihood and must be
protected against every form of exploitation.
 The child must be brought up in consciousness that his/her talents
must be devoted to the service of his/her fellowmen.

The 54 articles of the Convention detail four broad categories of

child rights:

a. Survival rights cover a child's right to life and the needs that are
most basic to existence. It starts from the time of the conception. Upon
birth, every child should enjoin the basic right to health and nutrition.

b. Development rights include what children require to reach their

fullest potential. It encompasses freedom of thought, conscience and
 religion, access to appropriate information and the right to education,
leisure, recreation and cultural activities.

c. Protection rights recognizes the vulnerability of children by

preserving their identity and nationality as well as providing safeguards
against abuse, neglect, child labor, drug abuse, sexual exploitation, sale
and trafficking, torture and deprivation of liberty and armed conflict.

d. Participation rights allow children to take an active role in their

communities and nations.

Important Terms

Minors

1. Depending on state laws, persons who fall under the statutory age limit of 17 or 18.
2. In law, the term minor (also infant or infancy) is used to refer to a person who is under the age
in which one legally assumes adulthood and is legally granted rights afforded to adults in society.
3. Depending on the jurisdiction and application, this age may vary, but is usually marked at
either 18 or 21. Specifically, the status of "minor" is defined by the age of majority.

Juvenile – is a child or young person who under legal system, may dealt with for an offense in a
manner different from an adult.

Youthful offender – is a child, minor, or youth, including one who is emancipated in accordance
with law, who is over nine years but under eighteen ears of age at the time of commission of the
offense. A child nine years of age under at the time of the commission of the offense shall be
exempt from criminal liability and shall be committed to the care of his or her mother, father, or
nearest relative or family friend in the discretion of the court and subject to its supervision. The
same shall be done for a child over nine years and under fifteen years of age at the time of the
commission of the offense, unless the acted with discernment

Juvenile Justice System – refers to the application of criminal justice to minors and youthful
offenders through the cooperation of the criminal justice system. In our country, this applies to
person below 18 years of age.

Emancipation – mean freedom from parental authority over persons and property of the
emancipated child. Emancipation takes place by the attainment of age of majority. Unless
otherwise provided, majority commences at the age of eighteen years (Art. 234, F.C. as amended
by RA 6809 which is an “act lowering the age of majority from twenty-one to eighteen years
amending for the purpose of executive order number 209.

Status Offenses – are certain acts or omission, which may not be punishable if committed by
adults, but becomes illegal only because the person is under age and the act was committed
primarily by children, minors, juveniles, youthful offenders or other persons in need of
supervision or assistance.

Example of status offenses.

– Truancy from school (incurred absence for 30 days in school, without valid
reason)
– Sexual misconduct or immoral act
– Use of profane language
– Running away from home
– Smoking, drinking or use of prohibited drugs or substance
– Disobedience to parents or school officials
– Association with criminals or delinquent friends
 – Mendicancy
– smoking
Parents Patriae – is a doctrine that doe not consider delinquent acts as criminal violation,
thus making delinquents non-criminal persons and cannot be found guilty of a crime and
punished like an adult criminal. This doctrine viewed minors who violate the law as victims
of improper care, custody and treatment at home. Thus, in parents patriae, the State becomes
the father.

Nuclear family – composed of a father, mother and a child or children

Extended family – composed of members other than the father, mother, and children, e.g.,
in-laws, relatives, household helps, employees, etc.

Civil Liability of Youthful Offender

The civil liability for acts committed by a youthful offender shall develop upon the
offender’s father and, in case of his death or incapacity, upon the mother, or in case of her
death or incapacity, upon the guardian. Civil liability may also be voluntarily assumed by a
relative or family friend of the youthful offender.

Rights of the Child

All children shall be entitled to rights set forth by law without distinction as to legitimacy
or illegitimate sex, social status, religion, political antecedents, and other factors.

Parental Authority
Is the sum total of the rights of the parents over the person and properly of their
unemancipated child, the exercise of which has no distinction between a legitimate and an
illegitimate child.

Parental Responsibility
Is the mass obligation, which the parents has over the person and property of their
unemancipated child. Parental authority shall be exercised jointly by the parents of the child.
In the case of disagreement, the father’s decision shall prevail unless there is a judicial order
to the contrary.

Parental authority and responsibility may not be renounced or transferred except on the
following cases:

1. guardianship
2. legal adoption
3. final order or judgment of a competent court
4. substitute parental authority
5. separation of parents
6. death, absence or unsuitability of the parents
7. entrusting of disadvantage child to heads of children’s homes, orphanages and similar
institutions
8. surrender of the child by its parents done in writing to any public institution or any
benevolent or charitable institutions.

Child Abuse
Child abuse is any mistreatment or neglect of a child that results in non-accidental harm
or injury and which cannot be reasonably explained. Child abuse can include: physical abuse,
emotional abuse, sexual abuse and neglect.

1. Physical abuse
Inflicted physical injury most often represents unreasonable, severe corporal punishment
or unjustifiable punishment. This usually happens when a frustrated or angry parent strikes,
shakes or throws a child. Physical abuse injuries result from punching, beating, kicking, biting,
burning or otherwise harming a child. The longer the abuse continues, the more serious the
injuries to the child and the more difficult it is to eliminate the abusive behavior.

Example:
Bruises, burns, lacerations and abrasions, skeletal injuries, head injuries and internal
injuries.

2. Emotional abuse
Is commonly defined as the systematic tearing down of another human being. It is
considered a pattern of behavior that can seriously interfere with a child's positive development.
Emotional abuse is probably the least understood of all child abuse, yet it is the
most prevalent, and can be the cruelest and most destructive of all types of abuse.
Emotional abuse attacks the child's psyche and self-concept, the victim comes to see
him or herself as unworthy of love and affection. Children who are constantly shamed,
humiliated, terrorized or rejected suffer at least as much, if not more, than if they had been
physically assaulted.

Types of Emotional Abuse

1. Rejecting -- Parents who lack the ability to bond will often display rejecting behavior toward
a child. They tell a child in a variety of ways that he or she is unwanted. They may also tell the
child to leave, call him or her names and tell the child he or she is worthless. They may not talk
to or hold the young child as he or she grows. The child may become the family scapegoat, being
blamed for all the family's problems.
2. Ignoring -- Adults who have had few of their emotional needs met are often unable to respond
to the needs of their children. They may not show attachment to the child or provide nurturance.
They may show no interest in the child, express affection or even recognize the child's presence.
Many times the parent is physically there but emotionally unavailable.
3. Terrorizing -- Parents may single out one child to criticize and punish. They may ridicule him
or her for displaying normal emotions and have expectations far beyond his or her normal
abilities. The child may be threatened with death, mutilation or abandonment.
4. Isolating -- A parent who abuses a child through isolation may not allow the child to engage in
appropriate activities with his or her peers; may keep a baby in his or her room, not exposed to
stimulation; or may prevent teenagers from participating in extracurricular activities. Parents
may require the child to stay in his or her room from the time school lets out until the next
morning, or restrict eating to isolation or seclusion.
5. Corrupting -- Parents permit children to use drugs or alcohol; to watch cruel behavior toward
animals; to watch pornographic materials and adult sex acts; or to witness or participate in
criminal activities such as stealing, assault, prostitution, gambling, etc.

Effects of emotional abuse

 Insecurity
 poor self-esteem,

 destructive behavior,

 angry acts (such as fire setting or cruelty to animals),

 withdrawal,

 poor development of basic skills,

 alcohol or drug abuse,

  suicide and difficulty forming relationships can all be possible results of emotional abuse.

3. Sexual abuse
Is defined as the involvement of dependent, developmentally immature children
in sexual activities that they do not fully comprehend and therefore to which they are unable to
give informed consent and/or which violates the taboos of society.

At the extreme end of the spectrum, sexual abuse includes sexual intercourse and/or its
deviations. These behaviors may be the final acts in a worsening pattern of sexual abuse. For this
reason and because of their devastating effects, exhibitionism, fondling and any other sexual
contact with children are also considered sexually abusive.

 Non-touching sexual abuse offenses include:

1. Indecent exposure/exhibitionism
2. Exposing children to pornographic material
3. Deliberately exposing a child to the act of sexual intercourse
4. Masturbation in front of a child

 Touching sexual offenses include:

1. Fondling
2. Making a child touch an adult's sexual organs
3. Any penetration of a child's vagina or anus by an object that doesn't have a medical
purpose

 Sexual exploitation offenses include:

1. Engaging a child for the purposes of prostitution
2. Using a child to film, photograph or model pornography

4. Child neglect
Is the most common form of child maltreatment reported to child protective services. It is
defined as a "type of maltreatment that refers to the failure to provide needed age-appropriate
care," such as shelter, food, clothing, education, supervision, medical care and other basic
necessities needed for development of physical, intellectual and emotional capacities. Unlike
physical and sexual abuse, neglect is usually typified by an ongoing pattern of inadequate care
and is readily observed by individuals in close contact with the child.

The types of child neglect

 Physical neglect -- accounts for the majority of cases of maltreatment. The definition
includes the refusal of or extreme delay in seeking necessary health care, child
abandonment, inadequate supervision, rejection of a child leading to expulsion from the
home, and failing to adequately provide for the child's safety and physical and emotional
needs. Physical neglect can severely impact a child's development by causing failure to
thrive, malnutrition; serious illnesses; physical harm in the form of cuts, bruises and
burns due to lack of supervision and a lifetime of low self-esteem.
 Educational neglect -- occurs when a child is allowed to engage in chronic truancy, is of
mandatory school age but not enrolled in school or receiving needed special educational
training. Educational neglect can lead to underachievement in acquiring necessary basic
skills, dropping out of school and/or continually disruptive behavior.

 Emotional neglect -- includes such actions as chronic or extreme spousal abuse in the
child's presence, allowing a child to use drugs or alcohol, refusal or failure to provide
needed psychological care, constant belittling and withholding of affection. This pattern
of behavior can lead to poor self-image, alcohol or drug abuse, destructive behavior and
even suicide. Severe neglect of infants can result in the infant failing to grow and thrive
and may even lead to infant death.
  Medical neglect -- is the failure to provide appropriate health care for a child although
financially able to do so. In some cases, a parent or caretaker will withhold traditional
medical care during the practice of religious beliefs. These cases generally do not fall
under the definition of medical neglect, however, some states will obtain a court order
forcing medical treatment of a child in order to save a child's life or prevent life-
threatening injury resulting from the lack of treatment. Medical neglect can result in poor
overall health and compounded medical problems.

5. Psychological abuse
Is the willful infliction of mental or emotional anguish by threat, humiliation, or
other verbal or nonverbal conduct. It is often associated with situations of power imbalance, such
perhaps as the situations of abusive relationships and child abuse; however, it can also take place
on larger scales, such as Group psychological abuse, racial oppression and bigotry. A more
"mild" case might be that of workplace abuse. Workplace abuse is a large cause of workplace-
related stress, which in turn is a strong cause of illness, both physical and mental.
Psychological abuse or emotional abuse is a form of abuse characterized by a person
subjecting or exposing another to behavior that is psychologically harmful.

 Mandatory Reporting The head of any public or private hospital, medical clinic and
similar institution, as well as the attending physician and nurse, shall report, either orally
or in writing, to the Department the examination or treatment of a child who appears to
have suffered abuse, within forty-eight (48) hours from knowledge of the same.

Child Trafficking
Any person who shall engage in trading and dealing with children including but
not limited to the act of buying and selling of a child for money or for any other consideration, or
barter.

Child Exploitation
Includes forcing children into prostitution or other forms of sexual exploitation, forced
labor or services, slavery or practices similar to slavery, servitude, or the removal of organs. For
children exploitation may include also, illicit international adoption, trafficking for early
marriage, recruitment as child soldiers, for begging or as athletes (such as child camel jockeys or
football players), or for recruitment for cults.

Child Prostitution
Prostitution of children refers to the use of children as prostitutes. Prostitution is sexual
activity in exchange for money

Child Pornography
Refers to pornographic material depicting children being sexually abused. Children are
sexually abused in the production of child pornography when sexual acts are photographed, and
the effects of the abuse are compounded by the wide distribution of the photographs of the abuse.
Legal definition: refer to any pornography involving a minor, varying by jurisdiction and with
regards to the age of consent and other laws. For research purposes, child pornography often
refers to any recording (photograph, video, or audio) of sexual activity involving a prepubescent
child.

Child Labor
Is the employment of children under an age determined by law or custom. This practice is
considered exploitative by many countries and international organizations.

Children in Situations of Armed Conflict – Children as Zones of Peace. Children are hereby
declared as Zone of Peace. It shall be the responsibility of the State and all sectors concerned to
resolve armed conflicts in order to promote the goal of children as zone of peace.

What is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome?

Fetal alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a leading cause of mental retardation. FAS is a cluster of birth
defects that develop in infants of women who consume alcoholic beverages while pregnant.
Defects include prenatal and postnatal growth deficiency, facial malformations, central nervous
system dysfunction and varying degrees of major organ malfunctions. When mothers drink
alcohol while pregnant, their babies could have Fetal Alcohol Syndrome or Fetal Alcohol Effects
(FAE). FAS and FAE are a group of birth defects that have no cure. People with FAS and FAE
have a range of problems as severe as being mentally retarded to less visible problems like
difficulty paying attention in school. There is no know safe amount of alcohol for a pregnant
woman. When a woman drinks, her baby drinks because the alcohol passes directly through the
placenta to the baby.

Symptoms of FAS
1. Infancy: low birth weight irritability, feeding difficulties, sleep disturbances, alcohol
withdrawal, strong startle reflex
2. Facial malformations: small eye slits, thin upper lip, low nasal ridge, small jaw
3. Neurological dysfunction: attention deficit, memory deficit, hyperactivity, difficulty
with abstract concepts and problem solving
4. Organ/ body dysfunction: muscle problems, bone and joint problems, genital defects,
heart defects, kidney defects
5. Mental retardation, developmental delays
6. Behavioral problems
7. Growth deficiencies
8. Vision problems
9. Dental abnormalities
10. Hearing problems
11. Epilepsy

Causes of Juvenile Delinquency

1. Home/Family Background – causes problems on juvenile delinquency when parents find it

hard to balance their jobs with their parental and domestic responsibilities and left with little time
to care of their children.
2. Family disruption due to:
a. migration
b. marital discord
c. overseas works of either parent
d. nuclear vs. extended family
e. single parenthood
3. Lack of parental guidance – causing the children to seek guidance from friends outside the
family.
4. Poverty – jobless poor are more susceptible to law violations plus the fact that they usually
live in depressed or congested areas.
5. Migration to Urban Areas – the youth rural migrant usually experienced a sense of
deprivation, culture shock, and they become prone to being victims of organized or syndicated
crimes, drug addiction, pornography and prostitution.
6. Education system – which oftentimes are employment or job-oriented without or little
emphasis on the moral’ aspect inculcation of values, It is a fact that most juvenile delinquents are
committed by school drop-outs.
7. Mass media – Television radio, movies and the press are sources of education as great or even
greater that the more traditional institution of the community. If is important to examine the
collective effect of this industry on the development of young people the values that are being
taught by the media; the images of adult social roles that the youth sees, and above all, the works
done by the advertising on our youths to become conspicuous consumers at so early age.
8. Police – the police must become a close working partner of the youth. If real progress is to be
made in the problem of juvenile delinquency. It most be noted that the broad field of police-
juvenile work is becoming increasing important in order control and prevent delinquency.
Juvenile problem is actually a symptom of a bigger and greater problem.
9. Peers can also teach an adolescent or child criminal behavior just as the family member can.
Family members and peers can also cause delinquent patterns of behavior by labeling their child
as delinquent. This is somewhat of the "if the shoe fits, wear it" saying. If a child feels as though
they are viewed as delinquent, then they will act as such and find a sense of self-esteem by doing
so.
10. The demographic characteristics of a person's living environment can also be a contributing
factor to criminal patterns of behavior. Adverse living conditions and a crime-prone
neighborhood can lead to criminal activity. There are also various structural theories that can put
juvenile delinquency in a context of better understanding.

Causal Theories of Juvenile Delinquency:

Social Perspectives
Social Learning Theory (Social Ties)
The Social learning Theory or the Differential Association Theory states that crime is learned
behavior. "People learn criminal behavior through the groups with which they associate. If a
person associates with more groups that define criminal behavior as acceptable than groups that
define criminal behavior as unacceptable, the person will probably engage in criminal behavior".
Structural Perspectives
Functionalist viewpoint- This viewpoint states that juvenile delinquency and/or crime is a
necessary and functional part of society.
Structural Functionalists examine the way in which society is structured and see society's
structural characteristics as the driving force behind juvenile delinquency. This perspective
examines social class, race and form of economy, as well as other factors, when predicting
delinquency for juveniles or members of society.
Conflict Theorists- look at society as a struggle between those in power and those who serve
those in power or who have no say in society. This perspective views delinquency as a means of
stimulating conflict in society and rejecting the dominant class and their culture, laws and norms.
Strain Theories- look at how the structure of society contributes to those members in society
who can't achieve their goals. This strain then contributes to an individual's rejection of culturally
approved goals and leads to delinquency and criminal behavior.

PRESIDENTIAL DECREE No.603

THE CHILD AND YOUTH WELFARE CODE

 The Child is one of the most important assets of the nation. Every
effort should be exerted to promote his welfare and enhance his
opportunities for a useful and happy life.
 The child is not a mere creature of the State. Hence, his individual traits and aptitudes
should be cultivated to the utmost insofar as they do not conflict with the general welfare.
 The natural right and duty of parents in the rearing of the child for civic efficiency should
receive the aid and support of the government.
 Other institutions, like the school, the church, the guild and the community in general,
should assist the home and the State in the endeavor to prepare the child for the
responsibilities of adulthood.

Civil personality
The child shall commence from the time of his conception, for all
purposes favorable to him, subject to the requirements of Article 41 of the
Civil Code.
 The abortion of a conceived child, whether such act be intentional or
not, shall be governed by the pertinent provisions of the Revised Penal Code.
The records of a person's birth shall be kept strictly confidential and no
information relating thereto shall be issued except on the request of any of
the following:
1. The person himself, or any person authorized by him;
2. His spouse, his parent or parents, his direct descendants, or the
guardian or institution legally in charge of him if he is a minor;
3. The court or proper public official whenever absolutely necessary in administrative,
judicial or other official proceedings to determine the identity of the child's parents
or other circumstances surrounding his birth; and

Joint Parental Authority

 The father and mother shall exercise jointly just and reasonable parental authority and
responsibility over their legitimate or adopted children. In case of disagreement, the
father's decision shall prevail unless there is a judicial order to the contrary.
 In case of the absence or death of either parent, the present or surviving parent shall
continue to exercise parental authority over such children unless in case of the surviving
parent's remarriage, the court, for justifiable reasons, appoints another person as guardian.
 In case of separation of his parents, no child under five year of age shall be separated
from his mother, unless the court finds compelling reasons to do so.

Adoption

Who May Adopt?

Any person of age and in full possession of his civil rights may adopt:
Provided, That he is in a position to support and care for his legitimate,
legitimated, acknowledged natural children, or natural children by legal
fiction or other illegitimate children, in keeping with the means, both
material and otherwise, of the family.
In all cases of adoption the adopter must be at least fifteen
years older than the person to be adopted

Who May Not Adopt?

(1) A married person without the written consent of the spouse;
(2) The guardian with respect to the ward prior to final approval of his accounts;
(3) Any person who has been involving moral turpitude;
convicted of a crime
(4) An alien who is disqualified to adopt according to the laws of his own
country or one with whose government the Republic of the Philippines has
broken diplomatic relations.

Adoption by Husband and Wife

Husband and wife may jointly adopt. In such case, parental authority shall
be exercised as if the child were their own by nature.

Who May Not Be Adopted?

(1) A married person without the written consent of the spouse;
(2) An Alien with whose government the Republic of the Philippines has
broken diplomatic relations;
(3) A person who has already adopted unless the adoption has been
previously revoked or rescinded in accordance with this Chapter.6

Whose Consent is Necessary?

(1) The person to be adopted, if fourteen years of age or over;
(2) The natural parents of the child or his legal guardian or the Department
of Social Welfare or any duly licensed child placement agency under whose
care the child may be;
(3) The natural children, fourteen years and above, of the adopting parents.

 Subject to the provisions of the Civil Code, the child shall have the
prerogative of choosing his future spouse. Parents should not force or
unduly influence him to marry a person he has not freely chosen.

Samahan
As used in this Code, the term "samahan" shall refer to the aggregate
of persons working in commercial, industrial, and agricultural establishments
or enterprises, whether belonging to labor or management.

Employment of Children Below Sixteen Years

Children below sixteen years of age may be employed to perform light
work which is not harmful to their safety, health or normal development and
which is not prejudicial to their studies.

Classification of Child and Youth Welfare Agencies

Public and private child welfare agencies providing encouragement,
care, and protection to any category of children and youth whether mentally
gifted, dependent, abandoned, neglected, abused, handicapped, disturbed or
youthful offenders classified and defined as follows, shall be coordinated by
the Department of Social Welfare:

(1) A child-caring institution is one that provides twenty-four hour

resident group care service for the physical, mental, social and spiritual well-
being of nine or more mentally gifted, dependent, abandoned, neglected,
handicapped or disturbed children, or youthful offenders

An institution, whose primary purpose is education, is deemed to be a child-

caring institution when nine or more of its pupils or wards in the ordinary
course of events do not return annually to the homes of their parents or
guardians for at least two months of summer vacation.

(2) A detention home is a twenty-four hour child-caring institution

providing short term resident care for youthful offenders who are awaiting
court disposition of their cases or transfer to other agencies or jurisdiction.

(3) A shelter-care institution is one that provides temporary protection

and care to children requiring emergency reception as a result of fortuitous
events, abandonment by parents, dangerous conditions of neglect or cruelty
in the home, being without adult care because of crisis in the family, or a
court order holding them as material witnesses.

(4) Receiving homes are family-type homes which provide temporary

shelter from ten to twenty days for children who shall during this period be
under observation and study for eventual placement by the Department of
Social Welfare. The number of children in a receiving home shall not at any
time exceed nine: Provided, That not more than two of them shall be under
three years of age.
(5) A nursery is a child-caring institution that provides care for six or more
children below six years of age for all or part of a twenty-four hour day,
except those duly licensed to offer primarily medical and educational
services.

(6) A maternity home is an institution or place of residence whose primary

function is to give shelter and care to pregnant women and their infants
before, during and after delivery.

(7) A rehabilitation center is an institution that receives and rehabilitates

youthful offenders or other disturbed children.

(8) A reception and study center is an institution that receives for study,
diagnosis, and temporary treatment of children who have behavioral
problems for the purpose of determining the appropriate care for them or
recommending their permanent treatment or rehabilitation in other child
welfare agencies.

(9) A child-placing agency is an institution or person assuming the care,

custody, protection and maintenance of children for placement in any child-
caring institution or home or under the care and custody of any person or
persons for purposes of adoption, guardianship or foster care. The relatives
of such child or children within the sixth degree of consanguinity or affinity
are excluded from this definition.

Special Categories of Children

(1) A dependent child is one who is without a parent, guardian or
custodian; or one whose parents, guardian or other custodian for good cause
desires to be relieved of his care and custody; and is dependent upon the
public for support.

(2) An abandoned child is one who has no proper parental care or

guardianship, or whose parents or guardians have deserted him for a period
of at least six continuous months.

(3) A neglected child is one whose basic needs have been deliberately
unattended or inadequately attended. Neglect may occur in two ways:

a. There is physical neglect when the child is malnourished, ill clad and
without proper shelter.
A child is unattended when left by himself without provisions for his
needs and/or without proper supervision.

b. Emotional neglect exists: When children are maltreated, raped or

seduced; when children are exploited, overworked or made to work
under conditions not conducive to good health; or are made to beg in
the streets or public places, or when children are in moral danger, or
exposed to gambling, prostitution and other vices.

(4) Commitment or surrender of a child is the legal act of entrusting a

child to the care of the Department of Social Welfare or any duly licensed
child placement agency or individual.
Commitment may be done in the following manner:
a. Involuntary commitment, in case of a dependent child, or
through the termination of parental or guardianship rights by reason of
abandonment, substantial and continues or repeated neglect and/or parental
incompetence to discharge parental responsibilities, and in the manner, form
and procedure hereinafter prescribed.
b. Voluntary commitment through the relinquishment of parental or
guardianship rights in the manner and form hereinafter prescribed.

Mentally Retarded, Physically Handicapped, Emotionally Disturbed

and Mentally Ill

1. Mentally retarded children are

(1) socially incompetent, that is socially inadequate and occupationally

incompetent and unable to manage their own affairs; (2) mentally
subnormal; (3) retarded intellectually from birth or early age; (4) retarded
at maturity; (5) mentally deficient as a result of constitutional origin,
through heredity or disease, and (6) essentially incurable.

Classification of Mental Retardation

(1) Custodial Group-- The members of this classification are severely

or profoundly retarded, hence, the least capable group. This include
those with I. Q’s to 25.

(2) Trainable Group-- The members of this group consist of those

with I. Qs from 25 to about 50; one who belongs to this group shows a
mental level and rate of development which is 114 to 1/2 that the
average child, is unable to acquire higher academic skills, but can
usually acquire the basic skills for living to a reasonable degree. He
can likewise attain a primary grade level of education if he receives
effective instruction.

(3) Educable Group - This group's I. Q. ranges from about 50 to

about 75, and the intellectual development is approximately 1/2 to 3/4
of that expected of normal child of the same chronological age. The
degree of success or accomplishment that they will reach in life
depends very much on the quality and type of education they receive,
as well as on the treatment at home and in the community. Many of
the educable retardates may reach 5th or 6th grade educational level
and can develop occupational skills which may result in partial or
complete economic independence in adulthood.

(4) Borderline or Low Normal Group-- This is the highest group of

mentally retarded, with I. Qs from about 75 to about 89. The members
of this classification are only slightly retarded and they can usually get
by in regular classes if they receive some extra help, guidance and
consideration. They have to spend much more time with their studies
than do most children in order to pass. Those who cannot make it are
usually handicapped by one or more other conditions aside from that
of intelligence.
2. Physically Handicapped Children
Physically and handicapped children are those who are crippled, deaf
mute, blind, or otherwise defective which restricts their means of action or
communication with others.

3. Emotionally Disturbed Children

Emotionally disturbed children are those who, although not afflicted
with insanity or mental defect, are unable to maintain normal social relations
with others and the community in general due to emotional problems or
complexes.

4. Mentally Ill Children

Mentally ill children are those with any behavioral disorder, whether
functional or organic, which is of such a degree of severity as to require
professional help or hospitalization.

 Disabled children as used in this Chapter shall include mentally

retarded, physically handicapped, emotionally disturbed, and severe
mentally ill children.
 Youthful Offender - A youthful offender is one who is over nine years
but under twenty-one years of age at the time of the commission of
the offense.

A child nine years of age or under at the time of the offense shall be exempt
from criminal liability and shall be committed to the care of his or her father
or mother, or nearest relative or family friend in the discretion of the court
and subject to its supervision. The same shall be done for a child over nine
years and under fifteen years of age at the time of the commission of the
offense, unless he acted with discernment, in which case he shall be
proceeded against in accordance with Article 192.

Rehabilitation Centers
The Department of Social Welfare shall establish regional rehabilitation
centers for youthful offenders. The local government and other non-
government entities shall collaborate and contribute their support for the
establishment and maintenance of these facilities.

Detention Homes
The Department of Local Government and Community Development shall establish
detention homes in cities and provinces distinct and separate from jails pending the disposition of
cases of juvenile offenders.

Return of Youthful Offender to Court

Whenever the youthful offender has been found incorrigible or has willfully failed to
comply with the conditions of his rehabilitation programs, or should his continued stay in the
training institution be inadvisable, he shall be returned to the committing court for the
pronouncement of judgment.

Records of Proceedings
Where a youthful offender has been charge before any city or provincial fiscal or before
any municipal judge and the charges have been ordered, dropped all the records of the case shall
be considered as privileged and may not be disclosed directly or indirectly to any one for any
purpose whatsoever.
 REPUBLIC ACT 9344
Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL) and the
Juvenile Justice System

An act establishing a comprehensive juvenile justice and welfare system, creating the juvenile
justice and appropriating funds therefore and for other purposes

Rationale for a Comprehensive Juvenile Justice System

Creating a juvenile justice system that meets the special needs of children in conflict with
the law is one of the Philippines’ unfinished pieces of business as a signatory to the Convention
on the Rights of the Child.”

Terms used in this Act are as follows:

(a) "Bail" refers to the security given for the release of the person in custody of the law,
furnished by him/her or a bondsman, to guarantee his/her appearance before any court.
Bail may be given in the form of corporate security, property bond, cash deposit, or
recognizance.

(b) "Best Interest of the Child" refers to the totality of the circumstances and
conditions which are most congenial to the survival, protection and feelings of security
of the child and most encouraging to the child's physical, psychological and emotional
development. It also means the least detrimental available alternative for safeguarding
the growth and development of the child.

(c) "Child" refers to a person under the age of eighteen (18) years.

(d) "Child at Risk" refers to a child who is vulnerable to and at the risk of committing
criminal offenses because of personal, family and social circumstances, such as, but
not limited to, the following:

(e) "Child in Conflict with the Law" refers to a child who is alleged as, accused of, or
adjudged as, having committed an offense under Philippine laws.

(f) "Community-based Programs" refers to the programs provided in a community

setting developed for purposes of intervention and diversion, as well as rehabilitation of
the child in conflict with the law, for reintegration into his/her family and/or community.

(g) "Court" refers to a family court or, in places where there are no family courts, any
regional trial court.

(h) "Deprivation of Liberty" refers to any form of detention or imprisonment, or to the

placement of a child in conflict with the law in a public or private custodial setting, from
which the child in conflict with the law is not permitted to leave at will by order of any
judicial or administrative authority.

(i) "Diversion" refers to an alternative, child-appropriate process of determining the

responsibility and treatment of a child in conflict with the law on the basis of his/her
social, cultural, economic, psychological or educational background without resorting to
formal court proceedings.
(j) "Diversion Program" refers to the program that the child in conflict with the law is
required to undergo after he/she is found responsible for an offense without resorting to
formal court proceedings.

(k) "Initial Contact With-the Child" refers to the apprehension or taking into custody of a
child in conflict with the law by law enforcement officers or private citizens. It includes
the time when the child alleged to be in conflict with the law receives a subpoena under
Section 3(b) of Rule 112 of the Revised Rules of Criminal Procedure or summons under
Section 6(a) or Section 9(b) of the same Rule in cases that do not require preliminary
investigation or where there is no necessity to place the child alleged to be in conflict
with the law under immediate custody.

(I) "Intervention" refers to a series of activities which are designed to address

issues that caused the child to commit an offense. It may take the form of an
individualized treatment program which may include counseling, skills training,
education, and other activities that will enhance his/her psychological, emotional
and psycho-social well-being.

(m) "Juvenile Justice and Welfare System" refers to a system dealing with
children at risk and children in conflict with the law, which provides child-
appropriate proceedings, including programs and services for prevention,
diversion, rehabilitation, re-integration and aftercare to ensure their normal
growth and development.

(n) "Law Enforcement Officer" refers to the person in authority or his/her agent as
defined in Article 152 of the Revised Penal Code, including a barangay tanod.

(0) "Offense" refers to any act or omission whether punishable under special laws
or the Revised Penal Code, as amended.

(p) "Recognizance" refers to an undertaking in lieu of a bond assumed by a

parent or custodian who shall be responsible for the appearance in court of the
child in conflict with the law, when required.

(q) "Restorative Justice" refers to a principle which requires a process of

resolving conflicts with the maximum involvement of the victim, the offender and
the community. It seeks to obtain reparation for the victim; reconciliation of the
offender, the offended and the community; and reassurance to the offender that
he/she can be reintegrated into society. It also enhances public safety by
activating the offender, the victim and the community in prevention strategies.

(r) "Status Offenses" refers to offenses which discriminate only against a child,
while an adult does not suffer any penalty for committing similar acts. These shall
include curfew violations; truancy, parental disobedience and the like.

(s) "Youth Detention Home" refers to a 24-hour child-caring institution managed

by accredited local government units (LGUs) and licensed and/or accredited
nongovernment organizations (NGOs) providing short-term residential care for
children in conflict with the law who are awaiting court disposition of their cases
or transfer to other agencies or jurisdiction.

(t) "Youth Rehabilitation Center" refers to a 24-hour residential care facility

managed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD),
LGUs, licensed and/or accredited NGOs monitored by the DSWD, which
provides care, treatment and rehabilitation services for children in conflict with
the law. Rehabilitation services are provided under the guidance of a trained staff
where residents are cared for under a structured therapeutic environment with
 the end view of reintegrating them into their families and communities as socially
functioning individuals. Physical mobility of residents of said centers may be
restricted pending court disposition of the charges against them.

(u) "Victimless Crimes" refers to offenses where there is no private offended

party.

SEC. 5. Rights of the Child in Conflict with the Law. - Every child in conflict with the law
shall have the following rights, including but not limited to:

(a) the right not to be subjected to torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading
treatment or punishment;

(b) the right not to be imposed a sentence of capital punishment or life

imprisonment, without the possibility of release;

(c) the right not to be deprived, unlawfully or arbitrarily, of his/her liberty;

detention or imprisonment being a disposition of last resort, and which shall be
for the shortest appropriate period of time;

(d) the right to be treated with humanity and respect, for the inherent dignity of
the person, and in a manner which takes into account the needs of a person of
his/her age. In particular, a child deprived of liberty shall be separated from adult
offenders at all times. No child shall be detained together with adult offenders.
He/She shall be conveyed separately to or from court. He/She shall await
hearing of his/her own case in a separate holding area. A child in conflict with the
law shall have the right to maintain contact with his/her family through
correspondence and visits, save in exceptional circumstances;

(e) the right to prompt access to legal and other appropriate assistance, as well
as the right to challenge the legality of the deprivation of his/her liberty before a
court or other competent, independent and impartial authority, and to a prompt
decision on such action;

(f) the right to bail and recognizance, in appropriate cases;

(g) the right to testify as a witness in hid/her own behalf under the rule on
examination of a child witness;

(h) the right to have his/her privacy respected fully at all stages of the
proceedings;

(i) the right to diversion if he/she is qualified and voluntarily avails of the same;

(j) the right to be imposed a judgment in proportion to the gravity of the offense
where his/her best interest, the rights of the victim and the needs of society are
all taken into consideration by the court, under the principle of restorative justice;

(k) the right to have restrictions on his/her personal liberty limited to the
minimum, and where discretion is given by law to the judge to determine whether
to impose fine or imprisonment, the imposition of fine being preferred as the
more appropriate penalty;

(I) in general, the right to automatic suspension of sentence;

(m) the right to probation as an alternative to imprisonment, if qualified under the

Probation Law;
 (n) the right to be free from liability for perjury, concealment or misrepresentation;
and

(o) other rights as provided for under existing laws, rules and regulations.

SEC. 8. Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council (JJWC). - A Juvenile Justice and Welfare
Council (JJWC) is hereby created and attached to the Department of Justice and placed
under its administrative supervision. The JJWC shall be chaired by an undersecretary of
the Department of Social Welfare and Development. It shall ensure the effective
implementation of this Act and coordination among the following agencies:

(a) Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC);

(b) Department of Education (DepEd);

(c) Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG);

(d) Public Attorney's Office (PAO);

(e) Bureau of Corrections (BUCOR);

(f) Parole and Probation Administration (PPA)

(g) National Bureau of Investigation (NBI);

(h) Philippine National Police (PNP);.

(i) Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP);

(i) Commission on Human Rights (CHR);

(k) Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA);

(l) National Youth Commission (NYC); and

(m) Other institutions focused on juvenile justice and intervention programs.

.
Art. 39 of CRC
State Parties shall take all appropriate measures to promote physical and psychological
recovery and social reintegration of a child victim of; any form of neglect, exploitation, or
abuse; torture or any other form of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment
Art. 40 of CRC
• Treat children in a manner consistent with the promotion of the child’s sense of
dignity and worth
• Establishment of a minimum age below which children shall be presumed not to have
the capacity to infringe the penal law
• Appropriate and desirable measures for dealing with children without resorting to
judicial proceedings, providing that human rights and legal safeguards are fully
respected
 • A variety of dispositions, such as care, guidance and supervision orders; counseling;
probation; foster care; education and vocational training programme and other
alternatives to institutional care shall be available to children
INTERNATIONAL PRINCIPLES OF JUVENILE JUSTICE
 UN Guidelines for the Prevention of Juvenile Delinquency (Riyadh Guidelines)
 UN Minimum Rules for the Administration of Juvenile Justice (Beijing Rules)
 UN Standards for the Protection of Juvenile Deprived of their Liberty

Principles
 Successful prevention of juvenile delinquency requires efforts on the entire society
to ensure the harmonious development of adolescents
 Decisions shall be taken based on the principle of non-discrimination and the best
interests of the child

 The primary aim of juvenile justice is rehabilitation and the reintegration of the
child into society

Principles
 A child in conflict with the law is entitled to basic legal guarantees and legal and
other forms of assistance and representation
 Arrest, detention and imprisonment of a child shall be avoided where possible and
used only as a last resort and for the shortest appropriate time
 Cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, including corporal punishment, capital
punishment and life imprisonment without possibility of release, are prohibited

The Comprehensive
Juvenile Justice System
It is a collaborative
effort of stakeholders to
address the gaps of the
juvenile
justice system

Salient Features of the CJJS Bill

 Raising the age of criminal liability from
9 to above 15 yrs old
 Promotes diversion at all levels
 Disallows detention of children with adults
 Comprehensive management of CICL
from prevention to rehabilitation & reintegration
 Creation of Juvenile Justice and Welfare
Council (JJWC)
 Suspension of Sentence

Age of Criminal Responsibility
AGE Criminal Responsibility

15 and below No criminal responsibility

Over 15 but No criminal responsibility

below 18 unless acted with discernment

Juvenile Justice and Welfare System

Initial Contact with the Child
1. Police Officer shall:
a. Inform the child of his rights
b. Determine the age of the child
c. Immediately but not later than 8 hours after apprehension, turn over
the custody of the child to the social welfare and development office or
other accredited non- government organizations, and notify the
child’s parents/guardians and PAO of the child’s apprehension
d. Determine where the case of the CICL should be referred
2. Local social Worker shall:
a. Explain to the child and the child’s parents/guardians the
consequences of child’s act with a view towards counselling and
rehabilitation, diversion from the criminal justice system, and
reparation if appropriate
b. Determine appropriate program for the CICL

What is Diversion
• The channeling of children away
from the normal justice system through
alternative procedures & programs

• Effective alternatives to criminalization

of youth offenses

• Providing alternatives to detention

and institutional care

Examples of Diversion
 Police caution or warning
 Mediation, Family conferencing & conciliation
 Written or verbal apology
 Written essays on effects of crime committed
 Restitution to the victim
 Participation in life skills course
 Counseling or therapeutic treatment

Diversion
1. Punong Barangay and Law Enforcement Officer- with the assistance of Local social
welfare or other member of LCPC, shall conduct mediation, family conferencing and
conciliation and, where appropriate adopt modes of indigenous modes of conflict resolution
in accordance with the best interest of the child with a view to accomplishing the objectives
of restorative justice and the formulation of diversion program (if crime is not punishable
with more than 6 years of imprisonment
2. Local Social Welfare and Development Officer- shall meet with the child and
his/her parents or guardians for the development of the appropriate diversion and
rehabilitation program, in coordination with the BCPC
(victimless crimes)
3. Court- only the courts can resort to diversion where the penalty of the crime
exceeds 6 years of imprisonment

In cases when there is

No Diversion
In cases where the offense is punishable by more than 6 years, or if the child, his/her
parents or guardian does not consent to a diversion, the Punong Barangay or the PNP
handling the case, within 3 days from the determination of the absence of jurisdiction shall
forward the case to the prosecutor or judge concerned for the conduct of the inquest or PI
Prosecution
 There shall be a specially trained prosecutor to conduct inquest, preliminary
investigation and prosecution of cases involving CICL. If there is an allegation of
torture or ill- treatment of the CICL during arrest or detention, it shall be the duty
of the prosecutor to investigate the same.

Court Proceedings
1. Bail- privileged mitigating circumstance of minority shall be considered
2. Release on Recognizance
3. Detention of Child Pending Trial
4. Diversion Measures- penalty is not more than 12 years
5. Automatic Suspension of Sentence
6. Return of CICL to Court- measures have not been fulfilled by the CICL or the
CICL willfully failed to comply

Functions of the JJWC

• Coordinate implementation of prevention programs and a juvenile justice system

• Conduct continuing research in relation to juvenile justice

Suspension of Sentence
Automatic suspension of sentence. It will still be applicable even CICL is already 18 years
of age or more at the time of the pronouncement of his/ her guilt

REHABILITATION AND REINTEGRATION

SEC. 44. Objective of Rehabilitation and Reintegration. - The objective of rehabilitation

and reintegration of children in conflict with the law is to provide them with interventions,
approaches and strategies that will enable them to improve their social functioning with
the end goal of reintegration to their families and as productive members of their
communities.

PROHIBITED ACTS

SEC. 60. Prohibition Against Labeling and Shaming. - In the conduct of the proceedings
beginning from the initial contact with the child, the competent authorities must refrain
from branding or labeling children as young criminals, juvenile delinquents, prostitutes
or attaching to them in any manner any other derogatory names. Likewise, no
discriminatory remarks and practices shall be allowed particularly with respect to the
child's class or ethnic origin.

SEC. 61. Other Prohibited Acts. - The following and any other similar acts shall be
considered prejudicial and detrimental to the psychological, emotional, social, spiritual,
moral and physical health and well-being of the child in conflict with the law and
therefore, prohibited:

(a) Employment of threats of whatever kind and nature;

(b) Employment of abusive, coercive and punitive measures such as cursing,

beating, stripping, and solitary confinement;

(c) Employment of degrading, inhuman end cruel forms of punishment such as

shaving the heads, pouring irritating, corrosive or harmful substances over the
 body of the child in conflict with the law, or forcing him/her to walk around the
community wearing signs which embarrass, humiliate, and degrade his/her
personality and dignity; and

(d) Compelling the child to perform involuntary servitude in any and all forms
under any and all instances.

Ralated Laws

Republic Acts

R.A. 6655
Establishing and providing for a free public secondary education and for
other purposes

R.A. 6728
Providing government assistance to students and teaches in private
education and appropriating funds therefore

R.A. 6809
Lowering the age of majority from twenty-one to eighteen years amending
for the purpose executive order 209, and for other purposes

R.A. 6972
Establishing a day care center in every barangay instituting therein a total
development and protection of children program, appropriating funds
therefore, and for other purposes

R.A. 7277
Providing for the rehabilitation, self-development and self-reliance of
disabled persons and their integration into the mainstream of society and for
other purposes

R.A. 7323
Help poor but deserving students pursue their education by encouraging
their employment during summer and/or Christmas vacations. through
incentives granted to employers, allowing them to pay only sixty per centum
of their salaries or wages and the forty per centum through education
vouchers to be paid by the government prohibiting and penalizing the filing
of fraudulent or fictitious claims and for other purposes
R.A. 7600
Providing incentives to all government and private health institutions with
rooming in and breastfeeding practices and for other purposes

R.A. 7610
Providing for stronger deterrence and special protection against child abuse,
exploitation and discrimination, providing penalties for its violation, and for
other purposes

R.A. 7624
Integrating drug prevention and control in the intermediate and secondary
curricula as well as in the non-formal, informal and indigenous learning
systems and for other purposes

R.A. 7658
Prohibiting the employment of children below 15 years of age in public and
private undertakings. Amending or the purpose section 12, article VIII of
R.A. 7610

R.A. 7797
Lengthen the school calendar from two hundred (200) days to not more than
two hundred twenty (220) class days

R.A. 7798
Ameding section 25 of Batas Pambansa blg. 232, otherwise known as the
"Education Act of 1982"

R.A. 7846
Requiring compulsory immunization against hepatitis-B for infants and
children below eight (8) years old, amending for the purpose presidential
decree. no 996, and appropriating funds therefore

R.A. 7880
Providing for the fair and equitable allocation of the Deparment of Education,
Culture and Sports Budget for capital outlay

R.A. 8043
Establishing the rules to govern inter-country adoption of Filipino children,
and for other purposes

R.A. 8044
Creating the National Youth Commission, establishing a national
comprehensive and coordinated program on youth development,
appropriating funds therefore, and for other purposes

R.A. 8172
Promoting salt iodization nationwide and for related purposes

R.A. 8296
Declaring every second Sunday of December as the National Children's
Broadcasting Day

R.A. 8353
Expanding the definition of the crime of rape reclassifying the same as a
crime against persons, amending for the purpose act no. 3815, as amended,
otherwise known as the revised penal code, and for other purposes

R.A. 8369
Establishing family courts, granting them exclusive original jurisdiction over
child and family cases, amending batas pambansa bilang 129, as amended,
otherwise known as the judiciary reorganization act of 1980, appropriating
funds therefore and for other purposes

R.A. 8370
Children's Television Act of 1997

R.A. 8371
Recognize, protect and promote the rights of indigenous cultural
communities/indigenous peoples, creating a national commission on
indigenous peoples, establishing implementing mechanisms, appropriating
funds therefore, and for other purposes

R.A. 8425
Institutionalizing the Social Reform and Poverty alleviation program, creating
for the purpose the national anti-poverty commission, defining its powers
and functions and for other purposes

R.A. 8504
Promulgating policies and prescribing measures for the prevention and
control of HIV/AIDS in the Philippines, instituting a nationwide HIV/AIDS
information and educational program, establishing a comprehensive
HIV/AIDS monitoring system, strengthening the Philippine National Aids
Council, and for other purpose

R.A. 8505
Providing assistance and protection for rape victims, establishing for the
purpose a rape crisis center in every province and city, authorizing the
appropriation of funds therefore, and for other purposes
R.A. 8552
Establishing the rules and policies on the domestic adoption of Filipino
children and for other purposes

R.A. 8750
an act requiring the mandatory compliance by motorists of private and
public vehicles to use seat belt devices, and requiring vehicle manufacturers
to install seat belt devices in all their manufactured vehicles

R.A. 8972
an act providing for benefits and privileges to solo parents and their children,
appropriating funds therefore and for other purposes

R.A. 8976
an act establishing the Philippine Food Fortification Program and for other
purposes

R.A. 8980
an act promulgating a comprehensive policy and a national system for early
childhood care and development (ECCD), providing funds therefore and for
other purposes

R.A. 9155
An act instituting a framework of governance for basic education,
establishing authority and accountability, renaming the Department of
Education, Culture and Sports as the Department of Education, and for other
purposes

Executive Orders

E.O.51
Adopting a national code of marketing of breast milk substitutes, breast
milk supplements and related products, penalizing violation thereof, and for
other purposes

E.O.56
Authorizing the ministry of social services and development to take
protective custody of child prostitutes and sexually exploited children, and
for other purposes

E.O.184
Establishing the presidential award for the child friendly municipalities and
cities
E.O.275
Creating a committee for the special protection of children from all forms of
neglect, abuse, cruelty, exploitation, discrimination and other conditions
prejudicial to their development

E.O.293
For holding the first national summit on children

E.O.310
Authorizing the adoption and implementation of the Philippine National
Strategic Framework for Plan Development for Children, 2000-2005 or Child
21 and its accompanying medium-term plan and framework

E.O.340
Directing National Government Agencies and Government - Owned and -
Controlled Corporations to Provide Day Care Services for their employees'
children under five years of age

E.O.393
Establishing the SAJID BULIG Presidential Award for Heroism

E.O.421
Further amending Executive Order No. 203, dated 27 September 1994,
created the oversight and executive Committees for the Social Reform
Agenda