RATIONALE

Juvenile delinquency has been recognized as a social problem which needs immediate attention and intervention. While studies indicate that poverty is one of the causes of juvenile delinquency, several factors also account for the increase of youth who manifest delinquent behaviors.

The youth offenders are victims of circumstance beyond their control, hence, they should be treated as individuals, or persons with rights. For this reason, Republic Act no. 9344 was legislated An Act Establishing a Comprehensive Juvenile Justice and Welfare System, Creating the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council under the Department of Justice, Appropriating Funds Therefore and for Other Purposes.

 This law was signed by the President in April 2006 and took effect in May 2006, while the implementing rules and regulations in August 15, 2006. This law establishes a comprehensive system to manage children in conflict with law and children at risk with child-appropriate procedures and comprehensive programs and services such as prevention, intervention, diversion, rehabilitation, re-integration and after care programs geared towards their development.

OBJECTIVES
At the end of the one day activity, the participants should be able : - Appreciate the salient provisions of R.A. 9344 and its implementing rules and regulations; - Discuss the situationer of the CICL at the regional and local level;

- Clarify the roles of all pillars of the justice system in the management of CICLs; - Prepare a plan of action for the implementation of the law.