The Child and the Criminal Justice System

Abstract

The study significantly discussed the role of the Child Protection Unit of the Philippine General Hospital as a rehabilitative component of our Criminal Justice System、 in protecting children against child abuse. Because of the nature and sensitivity of the topic, the study applied a qualitative rather than a quantitative method of research in exploring the processes involved in defending the rights of the child by examining laws relevant in the operation of the Criminal Justice System particularly the 5th pillar that deals with rehabilitation and recovery of children. Through this, the researcher analyzed cases of clienteles and key-informant interviews and in-depth interviews in the Child Protection Unit of the Philippine General Hospital. The study arrived to a conclusion that although CPU ultimately has been effective, the child protection system in the country is nevertheless unsuccessful in addressing a holistic rehabilitation processes for the abused children. Inadequacy in providing a comprehensive platform and rehabilitation programs remains to be an obstacle in achieving efforts for an effective wide and encompassing program where in vital institutions play in ensuring genuine justice and recovery for children victims of abuse.