Last June, the SDC welcomed Hon. Judge Anita Chua and her staff for a
short visit. Judge Chua is one of the three judges who are in charge
of handling the court cases of the children in conflict with the law
(CICL) at Bacolod City’s Hall of Justice. Since juvenile detention
was separated from adult detention a few years ago, Judge Chua has
been witnessing the evolution and progress done at the SDC as well as
the difficulties encountered. This visit was the opportunity to
assess the living conditions of the kids on a daily basis, and the
range of services and activities offered to them by the center and by
our partners.
Children in conflict with the law usually face the Court every two
months for judicial proceedings related to petty crimes. Judge Chua’s
initiative to meet with them in their current living environment
shows her will to consider them in the early stage of becoming
individuals who need guidance, follow-up and support, definitely not
a life sentence. Judge Chua acknowledged there the efforts generated
by the center to provide the children with activities promoting
education and individual development, i.e. a critical prerequisite to
the success of their future rehabilitation.
To celebrate her visit, the children organized a welcoming show with
the creative support of the three current social worker trainees from
UNO-R, one of our main partners. The ‘Music Day’ atmosphere was
re-created by the children who entertained the Judge and her staff
with a joyful choreographed dance, and who were warmly thanked by the
audience for this sweet attention.
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