The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga recently held a retooling workshop to enhance the skills of social workers from its Field Office and Local Government Units (LGUs). The training focused on updated case management and monitoring tools for children and youth, aiming to improve regional service delivery.

This initiative is crucial as the devolution of social services places significant responsibility on LGUs for child protection programs, with the Field Office providing technical and monitoring support. The workshop addressed recent laws and protocols development, ensuring that national and local social service workers are equipped with the latest standards and tools.

Underscoring the significance of the training, DSWD Field Office Caraga Regional Director Mari-Flor Dollaga said, “Ang tumong ani nga kalihokan mao ang pagpalig-on sa atong mga kasanayan ug kapasidad aron mas epektibo nato matubag ang panginahanglan sa atong mga kabataan sa ilang mga komunidad. We owe it to our children and youth to provide them with a future free from harm, full of opportunities, and filled with hope. Let us continue to uphold our shared mission. Magtinabangay ta, magpakabana ta. Ang atong panaghiusa ug pagkahiusa sa serbisyo mao ang tinubdan sa tinuod nga kausaban.”

Key topics covered included various child and youth protection programs (e.g., Children in Need of Special Protection, Children at Risk, Children in Conflict with the Law), updates on national laws, and case management protocols. The training is expected to lead to an enhanced framework for children and youth services, ultimately strengthening case management at the LGU level.

Through this effort, DSWD Field Office Caraga reinforces its commitment to empowering the social service workforce to deliver preventive, promotive, protective, and responsive programs for children and youth.