Rodriguez leads meeting to strengthen child referral system

COUNCILOR Jonjon Rodriguez, chairperson of the committee on social services, led the second meeting on child referral systems, focusing on updates and next steps to strengthen the city’s system for assisting and referring children who are victims of violence, abuse, and other situations requiring protection.

A key proposal was the establishment of a “One-Stop Shop” for child victims to streamline access to essential services, including assessment and referral, medical and psychosocial assistance, legal support, and protective interventions. 

The initiative seeks to minimize repeated visits to different offices and prevent children from having to recount their experiences multiple times.

The meeting also reviewed the ongoing child protection information drive, with the first batch covering six barangays, as well as the roles and responsibilities of participating offices in handling cases, from initial reporting and assessment to referral, intervention, and follow-up.

The consultation brought together doctors, lawyers, and representatives from JR Borja General Hospital, Northern Mindanao Medical Center, City Social Welfare and Development, BALAOD Mindanaw, Xavier Science Foundation, City Health Office, PIKIFI, the Department of Justice–Office of the City Prosecutor, Cagayan de Oro City Police Office, Department of Education, and the City Council for the Protection of Children.

Rodriguez emphasized the need for stronger coordination among these offices, agencies, and stakeholders to ensure a timely, accessible, and child-sensitive referral system that protects children from unnecessary delays and additional trauma. (JDOpema/SP)