THE Davao City Council approved an ordinance providing for a juvenile intervention program for children in conflict with the law (CICLs) and children at risk (CARs) in Davao City.
The ordinance is pursuant to and consistent with the Republic Act No. 9344, otherwise known as the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006, and with the Article 40 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
The ordinance sought to provide the necessary intervention, diversion programs and related services to children at risk or in conflict with law consistent with the intent of granting them human rights and legal safeguards without resorting to judicial proceedings, said Councilor Leah Librado-Yap.
Librado-Yap chairs the council committee on women, children, and family affairs.
The approved ordinance also mandates the creation of a board that will govern the operation of the programs.
Section seven, paragraph three of the same ordinance states that "diversion can only be applied in cases where the imposable penalty for the crime is below six years imprisonment. The end goal of diversion is disposing of the case involving a youthful offender without resorting to formal trial by competent authority."
All councilors present in Tuesday’s regular session voted in favor for the approval of the ordinance. (JOP)
