MANILA: An official from the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council, under the Department of Social Welfare and Development, has outlined the procedures for handling cases involving children in conflict with the law, emphasizing that these children remain accountable for their actions. According to Philippines News Agency, Atty. Tricia Clare Oco, the Executive Director of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council, addressed misunderstandings surrounding Republic Act 10630, also known as the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, during a DSWD Media Forum on Thursday. Oco clarified that while the process for dealing with children who commit offenses differs from that of adults, accountability remains a core principle. She highlighted misconceptions that children involved in legal conflicts, as well as those exploiting them, are not subject to criminal charges. The law, as explained by Oco, establishes a Comprehensive National Juvenile Intervention Program, promoting a collaborative governmental approach to safeguard the rights and welfare of children in conflict with the law and children-at-risk. The Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council has developed a comprehensive, child-sensitive procedure for rehabilitating these children under a restorative justice framework. For serious offenses committed by children aged 12 to 15, they are placed in facilities known as Bahay Pag-Asa, managed by local government units. Here, they undergo intensive juvenile intervention through the Intensive Juvenile Intervention and Support Center. For those aged 15 to 18, an assessment by local Social Welfare and Development Offices determines whether the child acted with discernment. Depending on the severity of the offense, cases may be pursued either through the courts or at the police level. Oco also discussed diversion as an alternative, child-sensitive method to resolve responsibilities of juvenile offenders without formal court proceedings. Diversion can occur at various levels, including community, police, prosecutor, and court, dependin g on the severity of the offense. Efforts are underway by the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council to support Bahay Pag-Asa facilities through the Support to Bahay Pag-Asa Project, aimed at enhancing their operational capacity. Currently, 115 Bahay Pag-Asa facilities are operational, with 25 accredited by the Department of Social Welfare and Development.