The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) launched the International Social Welfare Services for Filipino Nationals (ISWSFN) to offer comprehensive support to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families.
This program, which is free of charge, addresses various challenges faced by Filipinos abroad through a range of services including counseling, financial assistance, legal aid, job placement advice, and repatriation assistance.
Additionally, the program provides psychological consultations and social integration activities.
Target beneficiaries are OFWs and their families, who can expect tailored support to navigate and overcome the unique difficulties they encounter while living and working overseas.
What is the DSWD ISWSFN?
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) created the International Social Welfare Services for Filipino Nationals to provide comprehensive support to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families.
This program offers a variety of assistance, all free of charge, to address the unique challenges faced by Filipinos abroad.
Benefits of the Program
Counseling
One of the key offerings of the program is counseling.
This service helps individuals cope with issues such as homesickness and family discord.
Victims of abuse and maltreatment, especially women and children, can access intensive therapeutic counseling as needed, in collaboration with experts.
Psychological Consultation After Traumatic Events
ISWSFN provides psychological consultation to help individuals process and manage the emotional fallout from traumatic experiences.
This can be done through one-on-one sessions or group meetings.
Assistance for Those Facing Difficult Circumstances
The program also offers financial assistance and other resources to help individuals navigate tough times.
This support can make a significant difference in overcoming temporary hardships.
Referral
ISWSFN assists OFWs in getting the help they need from other government agencies and non-governmental organizations, either in their host country or back in the Philippines.
This referral system guarantees that Filipinos abroad can access a wide range of support assistance.
Repatriation Assistance
For those needing to return to the Philippines, the program provides repatriation assistance.
This facilitates the safe and secure return of OFWs or other Filipino nationals to their home country.
Adoption and Foster Care Placement (ISS Japan Only)
In Japan, ISWSFN facilitates foster care and adoption for abused, neglected, or abandoned Filipino children.
This service makes sure that children are placed in caring families until they can be reunited with their birth families in the Philippines or adopted.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for International Social Welfare Services for Filipino Nationals beneficiaries include:
- Assessment by a Social Worker: The assessment of the concerned social worker determines the eligibility of the migrant worker for the assistance provided by the program. This assessment is based on the individual’s crisis situation and the available resources to address the problem.
- Indigent, Vulnerable, Disadvantaged, or in Crisis Situation: The beneficiaries are individuals and/or families who are indigent, vulnerable, disadvantaged, or otherwise in crisis situations based on the assessment of the social worker.
- Supporting Documents: The eligibility of the client to avail of the services is determined during the interview and scrutiny of the supporting documents presented. The social worker assesses the capacity of the family to address the problem by looking at the available resources that the family could access or utilize.
- Case-to-Case Basis: The assistance provided by ISWSFN is based on a case-to-case basis, with the specific services offered depending on the individual’s crisis situation.
These criteria make certain that the assistance provided by the program is tailored to the specific needs of the beneficiaries, protecting their well-being.
Documentary Requirements
Counseling
- Valid Identification (ID): Passport or any government-issued ID.
- Proof of Overseas Employment: Employment contract or Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC).
- Referral Letter (if applicable): From an embassy, consulate, or authorized organization.
Psychological Consultation After Traumatic Events
- Valid Identification (ID): Passport or any government-issued ID.
- Proof of Overseas Employment: Employment contract or OEC.
- Incident Report: Detailed account of the traumatic event.
- Medical Records (if applicable): Any existing medical or psychological evaluations.
Assistance for Those Facing Difficult Circumstances
- Valid Identification (ID): Passport or any government-issued ID.
- Proof of Overseas Employment: Employment contract or OEC.
- Financial Assessment Form: Document detailing financial status and needs.
- Referral Letter (if applicable): From an embassy, consulate, or authorized organization.
Referral
- Valid Identification (ID): Passport or any government-issued ID.
- Proof of Overseas Employment: Employment contract or OEC.
- Referral Request Form: Document specifying the type of assistance needed and any previous interventions.
Repatriation Assistance
- Valid Identification (ID): Passport or any government-issued ID.
- Proof of Overseas Employment: Employment contract or OEC.
- Travel Documents: Flight itinerary and booking confirmation.
- Referral Letter (if applicable): From an embassy, consulate, or authorized organization.
- Medical Records (if applicable): For those requiring medical repatriation.
Adoption and Foster Care Placement (ISS Japan Only)
- Valid Identification (ID): Passport or any government-issued ID.
- Child’s Birth Certificate: To verify identity and age.
- Proof of Overseas Employment: Employment contract or OEC of the guardian or parent.
- Court Orders (if applicable): Relevant court orders regarding custody or guardianship.
- Medical Records: Child’s medical and psychological evaluation.
- Social Welfare Report: From the local social welfare office or authorized organization.
General Tips
- Make sure that all documents are up-to-date and valid.
- Make multiple copies of each document.
- Some services may require additional documents based on specific circumstances.
- Contact your nearest DSWD office or embassy for guidance on any specific requirements.
By preparing these documents, you can streamline the process of accessing the important support services offered by ISWSFN.
Specific documentary requirements may vary depending on the type of assistance needed. Overseas Filipinos are advised to contact the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate to get the most up-to-date information on the application process and requirements for the program.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Avail of the DSWD International Social Welfare Services for Filipino Nationals Program
Step 1: Determine the Assistance Needed
- Assess your situation: Identify the specific social welfare services you require, such as counseling, financial assistance, job placement advice, legal aid, or repatriation assistance.
- Contact the Philippine Embassy or Consulate: Reach out to the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in your host country to inquire about the services available and the process for availing them.
Step 2: Access Services
- Contact the Social Welfare Attaché: The Social Welfare Attaché is responsible for providing the program services. They can be contacted through the Philippine Embassy or Consulate.
- Schedule an appointment: Arrange a meeting with the Social Welfare Attaché to discuss your needs and receive the necessary assistance.
- Receive counseling and other services: The Social Welfare Attaché will provide counseling, critical incident stress debriefing, assistance in crisis situations, referral, and repatriation assistance as needed.
Step 3: Follow-up and Evaluation
- Monitor your progress: Regularly check in with the Social Welfare Attaché to ensure you are receiving the necessary support and to address any concerns.
- Evaluate the services: Provide feedback on the assistance you received to help improve the program.
Additional Information
- Duration of services: The duration of the services provided by the Social Welfare Attaché is typically limited to two years, after which they may be reassigned or return to the Philippines.
- Availability of services: The ISWSFN program is available in Malaysia, Middle East countries, and Japan.
By following these steps, you can effectively access the program and receive the necessary support during your time abroad.
Video: Usapang Malasakit Live Episode 4: ISSO
In Episode 4 of “Usapang Malasakit Live,” the focus is on the, a program operated under the International Social Services Office (ISSO) of the Department. The episode delves into the essential role of the program in providing support and assistance to Filipino nationals abroad, highlighting its significance in promoting the welfare of overseas Filipinos through various social welfare assistance and collaborations with local authorities.
Conclusion
The DSWD International Social Welfare Services for Filipino Nationals is an essential resource for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families.
By offering a wide array of services such as counseling, financial assistance, legal aid, and repatriation support, the program addresses the diverse needs of Filipinos abroad.
This comprehensive program ensures that OFWs can cope with the challenges of living and working in foreign countries.
From psychological consultations after traumatic events to fostering social integration, ISWSFN stands as a pillar of support for the Filipino community overseas.
Through these, DSWD reaffirms its commitment to the welfare and development of Filipinos, no matter where they are in the world.