A multi-disciplinary approach in handling cases of child abuse and exploitation will soon be issued by the Department. The Protocol for Case Management of Child Victims of Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation was launched in formal ceremonies today at the Pan Pacific Hotel in Adriatico, Manila.

The Protocol, which is a set of standards to ensure the protection of children's rights, was launched for the guidance of all concerned government agencies, non-government organizations, and other stakeholders.

The Protocol is a result of DOJ-Committee for the Special Protection of Children (CSPS) series of consultations and workshops with stakeholders on the implementation of Republic Act 7610, otherwise known as the Anti-Child Abuse Law.

Highlighted in the Protocol are the roles and responsibilities of various government agencies and their partners commencing from reporting or referral of child abuse cases up to its termination, making sure that child abuse cases are prioritized and are attended to with utmost sensitivity and confidentiality.

The CSPC developed a Flowchart on Management of Child Abuse Cases to illustrate the different stages of a case. Using the algorithm as guide, the Protocol will show how government agencies and their partners can either work independently or in coordination with each other in solving child abuse cases.

The Committee for the Special Protection of Children (CSPC) is chaired by the Secretary of Justice and co-chaired by the Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and . Development with the following members: Chairperson of the Commission on Human Rights; Secretary of Foreign Affairs; Secretary of Labor and Employment; Secretary of Tourism; Secretary of the Interior and Local Government; Secretary of Health; Secretary of Education; Commissioner of Immigration; Director of the National Bureau of Investigation; Chief of the Philippine National Police; Prosecutor General; and three (3) representatives of non- government or private organizations working for the protection of children. The Council for the Welfare of Children sits as the Secretariat.