The Ministry of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will endorse a Framework for Strengthening Child Protection Systems (CPSS) at the upcoming First Global Ministerial Conference (GMC) on Ending Violence Against Children (VAC) on November 7-8 in Bogota, Colombia.
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said the ministry fully supports the CPSS framework, which aims to adopt and implement laws and policies that protect all children from all forms of violence, abuse, exploitation, neglect and harmful practices in all contexts.
“The DSWD insists on a strong and inclusive society protection of children systems to ensure cost-effective and sustainable ways to prevent violence against children while ensuring those who have been harmed can be supported to thrive,” Minister Gatchalian said on Tuesday (5 November).
Secretary Gatchalian also expressed the DSWD’s commitment to placing child protection at the center of the nation’s policy actions.
“Together we will build a world where all children everywhere are free from fear and violence in all its forms,” said Minister Gatchalian.
The CPSS framework establishes and invests in a dedicated lead government agency for child protection, with the authority to coordinate child protection across sectors at national, subnational and local levels; provides a continuum of child protection, prevention, early intervention and response services; establishes and invests in a diverse, qualified and well-supported child protection social services workforce.
The CPSS framework also involves children and communities in decisions and actions aimed at eliminating violence against children; and enhances government data systems to improve planning, programming and policies to prevent and respond to violence against children, the DSWD chief said.
“We recognize that this new framework is designed to strengthen systems that protect children from violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation. We are confident that it will establish sustainable and well-coordinated child protection mechanisms at all levels, ensuring the safety and well-being of children. all children at all times,” Secretary Gatchalian noted.
The first GMC on ending VAC will be attended by the DSWD, leading the Philippine delegation, along with other participating government agencies and non-governmental organizations.