The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office VII (DSWD-7) clarified that there is no truth to the allegation that it withheld an IP child in its custody from her father, because the father and child were allowed to meet and talk at the facility of the Department last February 26. In accordance with standard procedures, DSWD-7 requests the father to wait for the Parenting Capability Assessment Report (PCAR) to be issued by the local social welfare and development office where the family resides prior to deciding on appropriate actions to be made. The PCAR establishes the parenting capacity of the parents and of the family to provide for the needs of the child.  This will also guide the duty-bearers on what they can contribute to respond to the needs of the family, thereby ensuring the best welfare and interest of the children.

After the father and child met last February 26, a peaceful dialogue between the DSWD-7 and the child’s father along with a representative of the Save our Schools Network was also conducted. Philippine National Police personnel maintained their presence outside the DSWD compound to ensure order in the area.

Prior to the turnover of IP children to DSWD-7, the Field Office emphasized the need to conduct a Parenting Capability Assessment by the concerned local social welfare offices where the children came from.  The Parenting Capability Assessment is part of protocols to ensure that children will receive proper care. The assessment report or the PCAR is a requirement by DSWD-7 before the children are turned over to their parents or guardians.

The DSWD, being the lead social welfare and development agency, is mandated to put a premium on the best interest of the child. It conducts actions and makes decisions for the child’s best interest, present or future.

As the welfare arm of the government, DSWD assures the public and the family of the IP children in their custody, of the Department’s assistance within its capabilities and mandate to ensure that children’s rights and welfare are protected and upheld at all times.

Once the children are turned over, the DSWD-7, in coordination with the concerned local social welfare and development offices of LGUs, will continue to monitor the cases through DSWD Field Offices IX, XI, and XII to ensure that follow through services are provided and properly implemented. ###

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