The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga has inaugurated a significant workshop aimed at enhancing the skills of social workers who manage cases involving Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL) at DSWD Managed Residential Care Facilities (RCFs). This event, which is a key initiative by the Program Management Bureau (PMB) of the DSWD Central Office, took place from May 20 to May 24, 2024, at the Pavilion at the Watergate in Butuan City.

 

The workshop is designed to provide social workers with the latest methodologies and strategies for effectively handling CICL cases. This initiative underscores DSWD’s untiring commitment to improving child welfare services across the nation, ensuring that social workers are more competent and confident in making a positive impact in the lives of CICLs.

 

During the opening ceremony, DSWD Field Office Caraga’s Assistant Regional Director for Administration (ARDA), Tristan Telen, extended a warm welcome to participants from various regions of the country. In his speech, Dir. Telen highlighted the essential values of empathy, compassion, and resilience in the field of social work, particularly when dealing with vulnerable children.

 

“Let us remain steadfast in our dedication to upholding the rights and dignity of every child, regardless of their circumstances. And let us always keep sight of the transformative power within each of us to make a positive difference in the lives of those we serve,” Dir. Telen emphasized.

The National Capacity Building for Social Workers Managing CICL cases is just one of the many efforts by the DSWD to ensure that every child in the Philippines has the opportunity to lead a life free from violence and neglect. Through such workshops, the department aims to strengthen the capabilities of its workforce, thereby enhancing the quality of care and support provided to children under its care.

As the workshop progresses through its five-day agenda, participating social workers are expected to gain valuable insights and skills that will aid them in their challenging yet rewarding role of nurturing and protecting the nation’s children, especially those who have found themselves in conflict with the law.