AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING CHILD PROTECTION UNITS

 

Republic of the Philippines Province of ____________ City/Municipality of ____________

ORDINANCE NO. _____

AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING CHILD PROTECTION UNITS (CPUs) IN CENTRAL POLICE STATIONS OF THE CITY/MUNICIPALITY OF ____________ AND PROVIDING FUNDS FOR ITS OPERATION

WHEREAS, Republic Act No. 7610, also known as the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act, mandates the protection of children from all forms of abuse, neglect, cruelty, exploitation, and other conditions prejudicial to their development.

WHEREAS the establishment of Child Protection Units (CPUs) is a necessary measure to provide immediate and appropriate care, protection, and legal support to child victims of abuse, exploitation, and violence;

WHEREAS, ensuring the presence of CPUs in every central police station in the city/municipality is an essential step toward strengthening the child protection system at the local level.

NOW, THEREFORE, be it ordained by the Sangguniang Bayan/Panlungsod of ____________ in session assembled that:

SECTION 1. Title

This Ordinance shall be known as the "Child Protection Unit Ordinance of the City/Municipality of ____________."

SECTION 2. Establishment of Child Protection Units

There shall be established a Child Protection Unit (CPU) in every central police station within the city/municipality. The CPUs shall provide a child-friendly environment for the assessment, investigation, and provision of assistance to child victims of abuse, neglect, exploitation, or violence.

SECTION 3. Staffing and Management

1.   The CPUs shall be primarily staffed by personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP) with specialized training in handling child protection cases.

2.   The Local Government Unit (LGU), through its Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) or City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), may assign additional staff to support the operations of the CPUs.

3.   The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) may assign its own personnel to assist the CPUs when necessary.

4.   The personnel assigned to CPUs shall undergo appropriate training on child protection, trauma-informed care, and forensic interviewing.

SECTION 4. Funding

1.   The funding for the establishment, operation, and maintenance of the CPUs shall primarily be sourced from the annual budget of the LGU.

2.   The budget may be supplemented by funding from the DSWD and other relevant agencies.

3.   Additional financial support may be solicited from locally based single proprietorships, partnerships, corporations, or cooperatives as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs.

SECTION 5. Partnerships and Volunteering

1.   Locally based NGOs, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and People's Organizations (POs) are encouraged to collaborate with the LGU in supporting CPU programs.

2.   Students may volunteer in CPU activities, with their volunteer hours credited under the National Service Training Program (NSTP).

3.   TESDA students may participate in CPU support services as part of the Dual Training System (DTS).

4.   Judges may assign law offenders to perform community service within the CPUs, subject to approval and supervision by the proper authorities.

SECTION 6. Functions of the Child Protection Units

The CPUs shall perform the following functions:

1.   Provide immediate assistance to child victims of abuse, including counseling, legal support, and medical referrals.

2.   Facilitate the collection of forensic evidence using Sexual Assault Investigation Kits (SAIKs) and ensure proper chain of custody.

3.   Coordinate with the MSWDO/CSWDO, DSWD, and other agencies for case management and aftercare services.

4.   Submit weekly status reports to the Office of the Mayor, with copies furnished to the local DSWD office.

SECTION 7. Monitoring and Evaluation

The LGU, in coordination with the DILG, PNP, and DSWD, shall regularly monitor the implementation of this ordinance and conduct periodic evaluations to ensure the effectiveness of the CPUs.

SECTION 8. Penalties

Failure to establish and maintain CPUs as required by this ordinance shall result in administrative sanctions against responsible officials as provided by existing laws.

SECTION 9. Effectivity

This ordinance shall take effect upon its approval and publication in a local newspaper of general circulation.

Enacted this ____ day of ____________, 2025.

Presiding Officer

Secretary to the Sangguniang Bayan/Panlungsod

Approved by:

Mayor of ____________

NOTES:

This draft is being proposed as an advocacy. For more information, please contact the author care of the following:

Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres
iseneres@yahoo.com, 09088877282, senseneres.blogspot.com

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