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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DSWD investigates QC orphanage for alleged violation of Anti-Child Abuse Law

DSWD investigates QC orphanage for alleged violation of Anti-Child Abuse Law

Published May 23, 2023 06:30 am
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Monday, May 22 issued a cease and desist order (CDO) against an orphanage in Quezon City over alleged violation of Republic Act (RA) 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act. On Saturday, May 20, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian conducted an "unannounced inspection" of the priivate orphanage run by Gentle Hands Inc. (GHI) in response to complaints that it failed to meet the minimum standards for a residential care facility for children. “Through the unannounced inspection, the Secretary was able to confirm that the children in GHI are in imminent danger and decided that it is in the best interest of the children to be transferred to a safe shelter,” DSWD Spokesperson and Assistant Secretary Romel Lopez said. He pointed out that overcrowding, the use of triple-decker beds, blocking fire exits, and the lack of social workers during the spot inspections were some of the GHI's violations. “Given the gravity of the noted infractions on the premises, Secretary Rex Gatchalian ordered Gentle Hands Inc. to cease and desist from further operations pending an investigation by the DSWD for a maximum period of 20 days from date hereof, unless lifted earlier,” the order stated. Lopez said the issuance of CDO is a part of the DSWD's authority, regulatory powers, and responsibility to help protect children's rights from all types of neglect, abuse, cruelty, exploitation, and other situations that are harmful to their development. “Since the DSWD is the one accrediting and giving out license to operate on SWDAs (Social Welfare and Development Agencies), the department has the power to issue a CDO against an SWDA especially if there are serious concerns regarding their facilities,” he explained. GHI is a DSWD-registered and licensed SWDA with License No. DSWD-SB-L-000052-2021, which was issued on Aug. 12, 2021 and will expire on Aug. 13, 2024.

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