Local child protection in the Philippines: A case study of actors, processes and key risks for children. Issue 3 (7th September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Roche, Steven; Flynn, Catherine
• Is Part Of: Asia & the Pacific policy studies. Volume 8:Issue 3(2021)
• Page Start: 367
• Page End: 383
• Publication Date: 2021-09-07
• Subjects: case study -- child maltreatment -- child protection -- Philippines -- residential care; Policy sciences -- Asia -- Periodicals; Policy sciences -- Pacific Area -- Periodicals; Policy sciences -- Australia -- Periodicals; Political planning -- Asia -- Periodicals; Political planning -- Pacific Area -- Periodicals; Political planning -- Australia -- Periodicals; 320.6095
• DOI: 10.1002/app5.332
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2050-2680

Abstract

Abstract: This article explores the child protection actors, processes and child maltreatment issues in a regional Local Government Unit in the Philippines. Utilising a qualitative case study design, it engages with 14 young people with histories of child maltreatment and 13 key child protection actors, exploring their views and experiences of child protection actions, processes and outcomes. The findings highlight informal community‐based actors, including neighbours, family, friends and non‐government organisations in initial responses to child maltreatment, compared to formal child protection actors, who respond to severe maltreatment utilising a legal framework. Actors are constrained by limited government capacity and community reach, revealing misalignment between formal child protection activities and breadth of risks for children. Non‐government organisations assist child protection efforts through the provision of residential care. Policy recommendations include strengthening relationships between formal actors and communities, expanding early intervention activities, and developing the capacity of community‐based child protection actors.