Over the years, the Humanitarian Legal Assistance Foundation, Inc. (HLAF) has been at the forefront of fostering knowledge-sharing and collaboration among advocates, implementers, and duty-bearers of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act (JJWA). The previous Juvenile Justice Implementers Congress (JJIC) in 2018 served as a pivotal platform for stakeholders to exchange insights, present situational reports, and discuss policy developments related to the Juvenile Justice and Law Enforcement System, Juvenile Justice and Correction System, Juvenile Justice and Social Welfare System, Juvenile Justice and Philippine Drug Policy, and Juvenile Justice and the Psychosocial Impacts on Community Reintegration. The outcomes of this congress played a crucial role in shaping the amendments to RA10630, signaling a commitment to improving the law’s effectiveness.
Since the last JJIC meeting five years ago, significant developments have occurred in the implementation of the JJWA, influenced by various social variables, including the anti-illegal drug campaign and the challenges brought about by the pandemic. Duty-holders within the justice system have been tirelessly seeking interventions to mitigate gaps in implementation and enhance the overall effectiveness of the law.
In 2023, HLAF is taking a pioneering step by expanding the scope of the course to encompass not only the Juvenile Justice System but the entire Criminal Justice System (CJS) through the National Conference of Social Workers, Criminologists, and the Philippine Criminal Justice System. Recognizing the pivotal roles of Social Workers and Criminologists in cases involving children within the court, whether as victims or respondents, the conference aims to provide a holistic understanding of their responsibilities and the challenges they face when working with the various pillars of the Justice System.
This conference will contextualize these roles within the helping process paradigm of the Social Work and Criminology profession and assist in identifying interventions to support and mentor Social Workers as they deliver preventive, adaptive, responsive, and after-care programs for clients in contact with the Criminal Justice System.
Throughout the conference, experts from different pillars of the Criminal Justice System will be invited to share their insights on adaptive, innovative, and transformative programs and policies impacting service delivery during crises. They will also explore the relevance of the work of Social Workers and Criminologists and these professions in the Criminal Justice System. The conference is expected not only to enhance the knowledge and skills of Social Workers and Criminologists but also to foster a progressive perspective, encouraging more responsive, sensitive, adaptive, and inclusive intervention programs for individuals in contact with the Criminal Justice System. This course will provide a platform for a rich exchange of ideas and experiences, ultimately contributing to improved practices and outcomes within the justice system.
Course Objectives/Learning Outcomes
- Social workers and Criminologists are equipped to comprehend and articulate the circumstances of children, particularly those in contact with the justice system.
- The Criminal Justice System, along with its constituent components, is clearly delineated and elucidated by professionals, encompassing both Social Workers and Criminologists, in light of its connection to the case management process.
- The case management process is intricately linked and harmonized with the criminal justice procedure for both Social Workers and Criminologists.
- Facilitate the differentiation and development of interventions that will educate, guide, and support both Social Workers and Criminologists in delivering services in collaboration with the pillars of the criminal justice system.
- The process of translating the knowledge acquired by Social Workers and Criminologists into tangible social actions and commitments.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Points for Social Workers and Criminologists
The approved Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points for Social Workers is 17.5, while we are still waiting for the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) to provide the CPD points for Criminologists.
