Over 150 children in conflict with the law (CICL) from the Molave Youth Home, Bahay Pag-Asa of the Quezon City local government, benefit from the Legal Assistance Program conducted today, May 18, 2026, by the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council (JJWC), in partnership with the Quezon City Local Government and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) – Quezon City Chapter.

As part of the 20th anniversary celebration of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act (JJWA), the program aims to strengthen access to justice by providing CICL, their victims and communities with legal literacy, consultation, document preparation, and paralegal assistance, along with other legal support services. The legal assistance for CICL will happen on May 18, while services for their victims will follow in June.

This program recognizes that children experience the justice system in different ways depending on individual circumstances, including gender and other intersecting vulnerabilities. It is formally launched through a signing of a pledge of partnership in Quezon City, alongside a call for volunteer lawyers under the Unified Legal Aid Service.

JJWC also signs a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Philippine Group of Law Librarians, Inc. (PGLL), supporting the rehabilitation of CICL through improved access to education and information.

The agreement aims to establish, enhance, and sustain library and information programs in Bahay Pag-Asa (BPA), including library assessment, development, training, literacy programming, and research support.

As the JJWA or Republic Act No. 9344 as amended, celebrates two decades of implementation, it has established a framework that prioritizes provision of prevention rehabilitation, and reintegration program for children at risk and children in conflict with the law, and the protection of children’s rights while promoting community safety.

The Legal Aid initiative is part of JJWC and its partners’ continuing efforts to ensure the implementation of the law and strengthen a child-sensitive juvenile justice and welfare system in the country.