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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DSWD assists mother allegedly denied custody of child under GHI's care

DSWD assists mother allegedly denied custody of child under GHI's care

Published May 26, 2023 11:22 am
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) - National Capital Region has issued a Parental Capability Assessment Report to help a mother reunite with her 20-month-old son, who was under the temporary custody of orphanage Gentle Hands Inc. (GHI). "Children living under the care of Gentle Hands Inc\.\, are seen hugging social workers\, saying their tearful goodbyes after the Department of Social Welfare and Development \(DSWD\) issued a cease and desist order against the orphanage on Tuesday\, May 23\." \(Photo courtesy of Mark Balmores \| Manila Bulletin\)
In a statement on Friday, May 26, DSWD said that the mother had temporarily placed her child under the care of GHI on Jan 30, 2023, to focus on her pregnancy and the birth of another child. She gave birth on April 25 and sought to get her son from GHI right after she was discharged from the hospital, however, the orphanage allegedly denied her request. DSWD also noted that she visited her son on Feb. 2, just a few days after temporarily leaving him in the facility, but was only allowed to see him for 10 minutes. "Ms. Marzan’s plea fell on deaf ears. Gentle Hands, through its executive director Ms. Charity Graff, continue to illegally detain Baby Marzan for no justifiable and legal reason," said DSWD Spokesperson Romel Lopez. This led the mother to file a complaint before the Office of the President - Office of the Cabinet Secretary 8888 Citizens Complaint Hotline, located in the Malacañang compound. Based on the complaint, the mother underwent counseling through a social worker, and her concern was relayed to GHI; but GHI Executive Director Charity Graff did not respond, DSWD said. "Since there is no court order declaring Ms. Marzan unfit to be parent, then Gentle Hands has no right to refuse her request for the return of her son," said Lopez. The child is one of the over 140 children taken into custody by the DSWD from GHI after the former issued a Cease-and-Desist Order on May 22. DSWD said that it is also investigating three or more similar cases involving children from said facility.

READ:

[DSWD investigates QC orphanage for alleged violation of Anti-Child Abuse Law](https://mb.com.ph/2023/5/23/dswd-investigates-qc-orphanage-for-alleged-violation-of-anti-child-abuse-law)  

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Gentle Hands Orphanage DSWD
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