Fourteen (14) young residents of the Bahay Pag-asa Youth Center (BPYC) in Palawan have successfully reintegrated into their respective communities from January to November this year.
The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) closely oversees the progress of these youths, aligning with Governor V. Dennis M. Socrates’s commitment to aiding their rehabilitation and facilitating a smooth return to their families and communities.
BPYC Center Head, Danlyn Atanacio-Gutierrez, emphasized that a court order is a prerequisite for a resident to leave the center.
“For anyone leaving the center, a court order is mandatory. Some have been acquitted, while others have experienced provisional dismissal due to the complainant losing interest or insufficient prosecution evidence,” said Gutierrez.
For those found guilty, the PSWDO offers specialized programs, including the Diversion Program and Disposition Measure, which assesses their performance within the center for potential “Release on Recognizance.”
PSWD Officer Abigail D. Ablaña highlighted the regular case conferences held not only at BPYC but also at the Lualhati Women Center.
These conferences delve into intervention plans and assess the rehabilitation progress of residents within the center.
“Through these case conferences, we can confirm if a child is prepared for reintegration or discharge from the center. We carefully consider both the case status and the court’s decision in determining the suitable environment for the child’s return,” Ablaña said.
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