The DSWD Reception and Study Center for Children (RSCC) is a government facility dedicated to providing temporary care for children who have faced abuse, neglect, or abandonment.
These facilities offer various services, including educational and therapeutic programs, to help these children recover and thrive.
Importance of Child Protection
As a society, it is important to safeguard our youth, to uphold their well-being and protection from psychological harm like bullying and isolation.
Creating a safe community where children can report abuse and seek help is essential.
The government has created laws and policies to give every child a chance to thrive.
RSCC Services and Support
The facility provides temporary housing, food, medical care, religious and psychological support, and educational opportunities to abused and neglected youth.
Here is an in-depth look at the services offered:
- Social Services
RSCC offers case management, counseling, and casework to determine the best placement for each child, whether through adoption or reunification with their biological family.
- Home Life Services
Children’s basic needs are met, and they are educated about self-care and healthy lifestyle choices.
- Health Services
Health services include care for infants, immunizations, medical exams, prescriptions, dental work, and psychological testing and therapy.
- Dietetics Services
The facility provides balanced meals, monthly weight monitoring, and customized diets for sick and malnourished kids.
- Educational Services
Educational services encompass daycare, tutoring, and educational outings.
- Spiritual Enhancement
Regular religious activities, including Holy Masses, Baptisms, Bible stories, and catechism, are conducted to foster spiritual and character development.
- Recreational & Cultural Activities
Kids engage in supervised play, educational outings, and celebrations of milestones like birthdays and holidays.
- Training
The facility serves as a training ground for volunteers, nurses, social work students, and other related fields.
Qualifications for RSCC Services
The facility serves kids aged 0 to 6 years old who belong to various categories:
- Orphans and Dependent Children: Those without living relatives or whose parents are temporarily unable to care for them.
- Abandoned or Neglected Children: Those left by their parents in the care of private individuals or institutions.
- Foundlings: Those left in public or private places, often exposed to hazards.
- Physically Abused Children: Victims of maltreatment or assault by family members or others.
- Sexually Abused Children: Victims of exploitation or coercion into sexual activities.
- Voluntarily Committed or Surrendered Children: Given up by parents due to economic or personal reasons.
- Transnational Children: Those born to foreign parents in the Philippines.
- Orphaned Children: Those with no living parents or relatives to care for them.
Requirements for Admission
To admit a child to the Center, the following documents are required:
Referral Letter
A formal letter from a referring agency or individual, detailing the child’s situation and the need for Center’s services.
Case Summary
A comprehensive report that includes the child’s background, current circumstances, and any previous interventions or support provided.
Birth Certificate (if available)
An official document that verifies the child’s identity and age.
Medical Abstract or Certificate
A document that provides a summary of the child’s medical history and current health status, necessary for appropriate care planning.
Medico-Legal Report (if sexually or physically abused)
A detailed report from a medical professional that documents any injuries or abuse the child has suffered, often required for legal purposes.
Police or Barangay Blotter and Affidavit of Finder or Referring Party (if abandoned or a foundling)
An official record from the police or local barangay that includes the circumstances of how and where the child was found, along with a sworn statement from the person who discovered or referred the child.
Step-by-Step Guide for Seeking Help from the DSWD RSCC:
Step 1: Identify the Child’s Situation
- Determine if the child is abandoned, neglected, or abused.
- Identify the child’s age, which must be between 0-6 years old.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
- Obtain a copy of the child’s birth certificate.
- Collect the newborn medical record or current health report if the child was abandoned in a hospital.
Step 3: Contact the Local Social Welfare & Development Officer or CIU
- Reach out to the Local Social Welfare & Development Officer or the Crisis Intervention Unit (CIU) of the DSWD.
- Provide the necessary documents and information about the child’s situation.
Step 4: Complete the Referral Process
- Make sure the referral is written by the child’s local social welfare officer, CIU social worker, or hospital social worker.
- Include the following documents in the referral: Copy of the child’s birth certificate
Step 5: Receive Assessment and Eligibility Determination
- The facility will assess the child’s situation and determine eligibility for admission.
- This assessment includes evaluating the child’s needs and the availability of resources at the center.
Step 6: Admission and Placement
- If the child is deemed eligible, they will be admitted to the Center.
- The center will provide temporary shelter, basic needs, and psycho-social interventions to help the child recover from the trauma.
Step 7: Follow-up and Support
- The RSCC will work to reunite the child with their biological parents or relatives if possible.
- If this isn’t possible, the center will offer other family care and support services to look after the child’s well-being.
Following these steps will help the child get the needed care and assistance at the DSWD Reception and Study Center for Children.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Happens to Children at RSCC?
Each child’s stay is personalized, with care plans addressing their unique needs. The kids receive social work support, group therapy, schooling, and medical care until they can transition to a permanent living situation.
2. How Do Children Arrive at the Center?
Children may be referred by other agencies or through self-referral. In emergencies, RSCC can accept walk-in intakes at any time.
3. How Can I Support Children at the Center?
Support can be provided by donating essential items, spreading awareness about RSCC resources, and making monetary donations to sustain the services offered.
Video: Team Foundation goes to RSCC
On March 4, 2019, the team, accompanied by the TEAM Foundation officer and volunteers, visited the Reception Study for Children Center in Bago Bantay, Quezon City, engaging with 50 kids who are either orphans or former street kids. Collaborating with volunteers, they motivated the young ones to prioritize education, emphasizing its significance and encouraging them to pursue their studies diligently.
Conclusion
The RSCC is an essential facility offering refuge, medical care, and compassionate guidance to abused and neglected youth.
With dedicated services, the Center aims to provide a nurturing environment where these children can recover and thrive, paving the way for a brighter future.