For Nikki Clemente, a psychometrician and guidance counselor at Muntinlupa City Bahay Pag-Asa (BPA), working with children in conflict with the law (CICL) is both a profession and a purpose.
Since 2017, Clemente has dedicated the past eight years working with CICL, a sector she deliberately chose to serve.
“No’ng lumipat ako sa government, gusto ko magtrabaho sa setting na makakapag-serve ako sa vulnerable sector or sa youth. Gusto kong magamit ‘yung background ko sa Psychology sa trabaho na may impact sa community,” she shared.
(When I worked in the government, I wanted to work in a setting where I could serve the vulnerable sector or youth. I wanted to use my background in Psychology in a job that has a real impact on the community.)
As a psychometrician, Clemente plays an important role in the multidisciplinary team (MDT). She administers, scores, and interprets psychological assessments to better understand each child’s cognitive, behavioral, and emotional functioning. These assessments are essential in creating individualized plans tailored to the needs of each resident.
Beyond assessments, she also conducts mental health and substance use screenings to identify underlying concerns such as depression, anxiety, psychosis, or substance-related issues. These screenings help determine the risk level of each child and guide appropriate interventions.
Clemente also regularly provides counseling sessions, offering a safe space where residents can express emotions, they have long kept hidden.
Supporting children’s mental health
Working closely with CICL, it has shaped her perspective in life. Clemente emphasizes that many of these children have experienced abuse, neglect, and poverty, making it even more important to care and empathize with them.
“Mahalaga na malaman yung pinanggagalingan, ano yung root cause ng behavior ng bata, hindi lang yung violation na ginawa niya, hindi lang yung offense na ginawa niya kaya siya nadala dito sa Bahay Pag-Asa,” she said.
(It’s important to understand where the child is coming from, the root cause of their behavior, not just the violation or offense that brought them to Bahay Pag-Asa.)
While Clemente believes that every child must take responsibility for their actions, she also stresses understanding their experiences and unmet needs. Through counseling, assessments, and interventions, she helps these children heal while ensuring they remain accountable for their behavior.
She also highlights the need to invest in preventive programs, particularly in mental health support at the community level.
“Sa long run, kapag natulungan mo ang isang bata, katumbas nun ay pamilya at komunidad na matutulungan mo rin. Laging piliin ang umunawa over judgment,” Clemente Added.
(In the long run, when you help a child, you are also helping a family and the community. Always choose understanding over judgment.)
In a world that often judges these children, Nikki Clemente reminds us that healing begins with understanding. The Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council (JJWC) recognizes the efforts of duty bearers and stakeholders like her, who supports CICL and strengthens the community.