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Philippine Journal of Child Sexual Abuse ABSTRACT The aim of this quasi-experimental study was to determine the effects

of clay therapy as treatment modality and to examine the role of resilience on the trauma symptoms, as measured by Trauma Symptom Checklist for Children (Briere, 1996) of 24 sexually abused girls, ages 11 to 17 years old, from three rehabilitation centers in Negros Occidental. A nine-session, five-week module on clay therapy, with a trauma-focused cognitive behavioral approach, and resilience, as measured by the Resiliency Scales for Children and Adolescents or RSCA (Prince-Embury, 2007), were the two independent variables. Trauma symptoms consisting of anxiety, depression, anger, posttraumatic stress, dissociation and social concerns were the dependent variables. Participants were randomly assigned to the experimental or control group. The former was given clay therapy, while the latter a placebo activity. Introduction Child sexual abuse is devastating and traumatic. It is a serious social issue which affects all sectors of society. It destroys the lives of our young children who, in the words of Atty. Eric Mallonga, legalcounsel of Bantay Bata 163, are not just the future of our society, but are, in fact, the present of our society (Mallonga, 2008). Child sexual abuse (CSA) is any contact or interaction between a child below 18 years of age and a more powerful person when the child is being used for the sexual gratification of the more powerful person (Center for the Protection and Treatment of Child Sexual Abuse or CPTCSA, 2004). In the Philippines, the National Statistical Coordination Boards (NSCB) record on Violence Against Children by Classification of Offenses and Year revealed that out of 32,727 reported cases from 2002 to 2006, more than half (20,389 or 62.3%) were sexual abuse in nature (NSCB, 2006). Of this type of cases, there were13,008 rape cases (63.8%), 1,345 incestuous rape (6.6%), 1,185attempted rape (5.8%), 4,646 acts of lasciviousness (22.8%), 127child prostitution (0.6%), and 78 sexual harassment cases (0.38%). Problem The study aimed to determine the effects of clay therapy as a treatment modality on the levels of trauma symptoms of sexually abused girls and to examine the role of resilience on the trauma symptoms of sexually abused girls. Specifically, it sought to answer the following questions: 1. What is the socio-demographic profile of the participants in this study in terms of age, educational attainment, town or city of origin, nature of sexual abuse (incestuous or non- incestuous rape or acts of lasciviousness), number of and

relationship to perpetrator/s, chronicity of abuse, whether or not pregnancy resulted from the sexual abuse, and whether or not there is support or belief by the family members regarding the abuse? 2 What is the level of trauma symptoms of sexually abused girls in the experimental group: a) before the intervention? b) after the intervention? 3. Is there a significant difference between the pre-test and 6 Lanes and Decatoria post-test levels of trauma symptoms of the experimental group? 4. What is the level of trauma symptoms of sexually abused girls in the control group: a) before the placebo activity? b) after the placebo activity? 5. Is there a significant difference between the pre-test and post-test levels of trauma symptoms of the control group? 6. Is there a significant difference between the levels of trauma symptoms of the experimental group and that of the control group: pre- and post-intervention? 7. What is the level of trauma symptoms of the resilient group: pre- and post-intervention? 8. Is there a significant difference between the pre-test and post-test levels of trauma symptoms of the resilient group? 9. What is the level of trauma symptoms of the less resilient group: pre- and post-intervention? 10. Is there a significant difference between the pre-test and post-test levels of trauma symptoms of the less resilient group? 11. Is there a significant difference between the trauma symptoms of the resilient group and those of the less resilient group: pre and post before the intervention? 12. Do clay therapy and resilience have main and interaction effects on the trauma symptoms of the participants? Conceptual Framework This study is anchored on two conceptual models for working with children who had traumatic experiences. The first is a treatment model of cognitive behavioral therapy developed by Lazarus in the early 1970s. The term cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a very general term for a classification of psychotherapies that emphasize the important role of thinking in how we feel and what we do. CBT is based on the idea that our thoughts, assumptions and beliefs cause our feelings and behaviors, not external things like people, situations and events. Methodology This was a quasi-experimental study using a two independent-samples design, with an experimental (clay therapy treatment) and control (placebo) group. For this investigation, the dependent variables under study were trauma symptoms, specified into anxiety, depression, anger, post traumatic stress, dissociation and sexual concerns, while the two independent variables were clay therapy with a TF-CBT approach and resilience (divided into resilient and less resilient). The study examined the effects of the two independent variables on the dependent variable by measuring the levels of the six symptoms before and after the treatment period and then comparing the pre-test with the post-test scores of the treatment group versus the control group; the resilient versus

the non-resilient group. It also examined how clay therapy interacts with resilience in terms of effecting changes in the dependent variable. Twenty-four sexually abused girls, ages 11 to 17 years old, from three rehabilitation centers in Negros Occidental participated in the study. They were given the TSCC (Form A), RSCA and a Background Information Form before the actual experiment. Based on their RSCA scores, they were then randomly assigned to either the experimental or control group by fish bowl method. Clay therapy sessions were given to the experimental group, using the module Clay Therapy for Sexually Abused Children: A Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Approach. During the sessions, the researcher took notes of the participants explanation of the meanings for their clay works. The following is a summary of the major findings: 1. There is no significant difference between the pre-test and post-test levels of trauma symptoms of the experimental group.2. There is no significant difference between the pre-test and post-test levels of trauma symptoms of the control group.3. The experimental group had a significantly lower anger level than the control group during the pre-test. The other trauma symptoms of anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress, dissociation and sexual concerns did not show significant differences between the two groups during the pre-test.4. There is no significant difference between the post-test trauma symptoms of the experimental and those of the control group.5. There is no significant difference between the pre-test and post-test trauma symptoms of the resilient group.6. There is no significant difference between the pre-test and post-test levels of trauma symptoms of the less resilient group except in their anger symptom which showed a significant increase after the intervention period.7. The resilient group had significantly higher depression, anger and dissociation than the less resilient group during the pre- test.8. There is no significant difference between the levels of trauma symptoms of the resilient group and the less resilient group after the intervention.9. Clay therapy and resilience have no main and interaction effects on the trauma symptoms of the participants.10. The girls who participated in this study were in the late childhood to middle adolescent stage. Over one-half were enrolled in high school, while less than one-half were in the elementary level. All of them were from the province of Negros Occidental, except for one who came from the province of Aklan. Majority were survivors of incest rape, some of non-incest rape and a few of acts of lasciviousness. One survived from both incest and non-incest rapes involving four perpetrators. Most of the participants felt the support and trust of their families regarding their abuse experience. This was considered an important element in the recovery process of sexually abused children. Intervention programs for non- offending parents were found in the literature to be effective and helpful both for the children and their parents.

Conclusion The experimental study of clay therapy and resilience on trauma symptoms of sexually abused girls yielded no significant results of a nine-session clay therapy program on the trauma symptoms of the participants. It, however, yielded very positive evaluations from them regarding clay therapys effectiveness and usefulness for the improvement of their psychological state in their 13 The study found slight evidence of the role of resilience in enabling sexually abused children to respond positively to a trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral treatment utilizing clay. Indeed, it signals a meaningful, powerful and potential modality for traumatized persons, particularly for the sexually abused children. Beyond the objectives set by the study, the present investigation yielded powerful and meaningful images of the impact of sexual abuse on the victims and what their hopes and strengths were for recovery. The study showed areas for the improvement of the Clay Therapy for Sexually Abused Children: A Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Approach. It points to the need for an intervention program not only for the victims and survivors but also for their nonoffending parents. Recommendations Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are suggested: 1. The treatment program entitled Clay Therapy for Sexually Abused Children: A Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Approach needs to be extended to six or more sessions, totaling at least 15 sessions for the entire program. This should give more time for processing of the clinically and moderately significant issues such as, sexual concerns and anxiety. Of the additional six sessions, two sessions should be devoted for sexual concerns, one for anxiety, and three sessions of plain and fun-focused clay-play towards the end. 2. Follow-up studies with repeated measures at six months and one year could be conducted to track the progress of the clay participants recovery as well as to determine at which point, if ever, the significant changes in trauma symptoms may have occurred. 3. When replicating this study, sample size should be increased if possible, and participants be limited only to those with single perpetrators to avoid a confounding effect caused by the inclusion of those with multiple perpetrators. 4. The clay therapy program could be used by interested mental health practitioners (e.g. counselors, social workers, child psychologists, child psychiatrists) and educators when working with children who may have difficulties in expressing themselves regarding traumatic experiences.

Bibliography Volume 1, Number 1 2011 PRINT ISSN: 2243-9315 Philippine Journal of Child Sexual Abuse an interdisciplinary publication Published by Center for Prevention and Treatment of Child Sexual Abuse and Terre des Hommes PHILLIPINE JOURNAL OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE AN INTERDISCIPLINARY PUBLICATIONEditorial Board Dr. Johnny B. Decatoria is a Clinical Psychologist, Educator, Psychotherapist, Clinical Social Worker and a Trauma Specialist. Dr. Emma Porio was Professor and Chair (1997-2002) of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU). Reynaldo J. Lesaca Jr,, M.D is a privately practicing psychiatrist of 35 years. He recently retlred from gov- ernment after 17 years of service with the National Kid- ney and Transplant lnstitute in Quezon City. based pastoral counselor and therapist. Dr. Sotto earned his Ph.D. inCounseling and Special Education (minor in Social Work) from Wayne StateUniversity, Detroit, Michigan; his Master of Education from the Universityof Windsor, Canada; his Bachelor of Education from Wesleyan University-Philippines; and his Certificate in Youth Ministry from Princeton TheologicalSeminary, New Jersey. Website source - http://www.slideshare.net/loreleialmirez/philippine-journal-of-childsexual-abuse

TITLE: REHABILITATION OF SEXUALLY ABUSED CHILDREN THROUGH GROUP THERAPEUTIC ART PROJECT Fe Mae E. Garrote Maria Sheena M. Merida Jo Anne Marie O. Ramonal 2. ABSTRACT The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of group therapeutic art project in reducing sexual trauma in sexually abused children. The researchers used two matched group designs. Thirty participants aged 6 to 12 were purposely divided into Experimental and Controlled Group. Sexual Assault Symptom Scale was used as pre and post-test while T test to analyze the results of the experiment and to determine the effectiveness of group therapeutic art project. It is hypothesized that group therapeutic art project do not rehabilitate the sexually abused children. The result of the study conducted and supported the hypothesis, making the statement that there is no effect in reducing sexual trauma using group therapeutic art project. 3. Group Therapeutic Art Project involves a Holistic approach in that it only addresses emotional and cognitive issues but also enhances social, physical and developmental growth. Various studies have demonstrated the efficacy of group therapeutic art project to help with the immediate discharge of tension and simultaneously minimize anxiety levels of sexually abused children who have common behavioral symptoms found include irritability, frequent soiling, nightmares, suicide attempts and confusion about sexual boundaries. 4. A child sexually abused is recognized as having a traumatic experience that can have a number of adverse effects. Sexually abused children generally reveal significant problems in diverse areas of functioning including those of affect, behavior, cognition and interpersonal relationships. (Collier, & Parillo, 2008; Gardner, 2007; Mazza, 2009). Therefore, children may experience difficulties in integrating the experience of abuse and processing it emotionally and cognitively due to developmental immaturity (Ryan 2010). Difficulties associated with the treatment of sexually abused children relate to their inability to verbalize their emotions and thoughts generated by the abuse. 5. Art therapy can be beneficial to people of all ages, but it is especially useful for children. Art is a natural form of communication for children because it is easier for the children to express themselves visually rather than verbally. This is particularly true for children who have experienced sexual trauma. Members of the American Art Therapy Association hope that this information will give those working with traumatized children and their families a greater understanding of how art therapy can be used to support trauma recovery. 6. The Rehabilitation through Group Therapeutic Art Project are very beneficial for sexually abused children. Many sexually abuse crisis centers are based on crisis theory and supportive psychotherapy groups. They rely on dissemination of information, active

listening and emotional support (Resick et al., 2009). Group sharing of experience may affect patients numbness, isolation and fear of isolation. (Rosenhan et al., 2010) Cryer and Beutler (2011) found that most members of the group improved significantly in measures of fear and anxiety. 7. Learned Helplessness Theory Martin Seligman developed the Learned Helplessness theory, finding to be psychological condition in which human being has learned to act or behave helplessly in a particular condition. In relation to the study, the theory was extended to human behavior concerning the common behavioral symptoms in particular to sexually traumatized children. Children may perceive events as uncontrollable and unpredictable, the more stress they experience, and the less they feel about making changes in their lives. 8. The researchers study had three purposes. First, it was designed to determine the significance of group therapeutic art project in reducing sexual trauma. If the therapy reduced the trauma, then it indicated that there is relationship between the two. Next, is to identify the effect of group art therapy in sexually traumatized children. Lastly, to statistically measure the rehabilitation of sexually abused children through group therapeutic art project. 9. R e s e a r c h P a r a d I g m That human has learned to believe helplessly even when the opportunity is restored for it to itself by avoiding an unpleasant or harmful circumstance to which it has been subjected. Participants (6-12 years old; sexually abused) Sexually Abused Experimental Group Sexually Abused Controlled Group Sexual Assault Symptom Scale (SASS) Sexual Assault Symptom Scale (SASS) Pretest Pre-test Group Therapeutic Art Project (Self-portrait) Sexual Assault Symptom Scale (SASS) Post-test Sexual Assault Symptom Scale (SASS) Post-test There is a significant effect in reducing sexual trauma by using Group Therapeutic Art Project 10. Method Participants This study had covered thirty female aged six to twelve years of age and has a background on sexual abuse. The said participants came from Kaisahang Buhay Foundation in Quezon City. The participants will be purposively selected. A consent letter was given to the foundation through the assistance of the Director that also educated the participants about this whole experiment. Thirty participants were divided into two groups fifteen for the Experimental group and fifteen for the Controlled group. 11. Materials Sexual Assault Symptoms Scale was administered to participants to determine the level of sexual trauma. The Sexual Assault Symptom Scale developed by Libby O. Ruch (1991), it is a self-report measurement that is relatively brief and was used to assess initial symptoms of sexual assault trauma syndrome. The said test is used in the evaluation of children who have experienced traumatic events, including

physical and sexual assaults, victimization by peers, major losses, the witnessing of violence done to others and natural disasters. 12. Design This study is based on Martin Seligmans Learned Helplessness Theory that the Sexually Abuse children has learned to act or behave helplessly in a particular situation. The participants were asked to take the Sexual Assaults Symptom Scale to determine the level of sexually abused. Two-group design is used; the independent variable (sexually abused) is manipulated in at least two levels or treatment condition. One group is controlled group, which receive the zero value of the independent variable while the experimental group, exposed to a non-zero value of the independent variable. Both groups are then measured on the dependent variable (Group Therapeutic Art Project). 13. Procedure The researchers used thirty participants aged 6 to 12 were purposely divided into Experimental and Controlled Group. Sexual Assault Symptom Scale was used as pre-test to determine the level of sexual trauma. Group therapeutic art project was given to experimental group. Materials such as bond paper, crayons, and color pens, clay, colored paper, watercolor and popsicle sticks was used as a group therapeutic art project. Then we used Sexual Assault Symptom Scale as a post-test. To analyze the results independent T-test was used and to determine the effectiveness of group therapeutic art project. 14. Result The data were analyzed with 15 participants who underwent group therapeutic art project. Independent T-test was used; a level of alpha set at 0.5 with a 66 degree of freedom and had a critical value of 2.048 to determine the significant effect in rehabilitation of sexually abused children through group therapeutic art project. 15. Table 1 Mean Scores and Standards Deviations of Experimental and Control group. Group Mean Standard Deviation Pre Experimental 52.25 33.17 Post Experimental 40.71 121.39 Pre Control 58.24 32.79 Post Control 53.83 32.37 Note: The level of alpha set at 0.5 with a degree of freedom of 66 and a critical value of 2.048 16. Table 2 The significant Effect of Group Therapeutic Art Project in Reducing Sexual Trauma in Experimental and Control Group Using Independent T test. Variables Pre Control and Pre Experimental Mean 1 Mean TDegrees of 2 Value freedom 58.24 54.25 4.67 Post Control and Post Experimental 53.83 Critical Decision t-value 40.71 66 2.048 Rejected Ho 17. Note: The alpha set obtained 0.5 level of significance which is 2.048 with degree of freedom of 66. Since the obtained t value of 4.67 is less than the critical value from the table, this means that there is a significant effect in Rehabilitation of Sexually Abused Children through Group Therapeutic Art Project, the hypothesis was rejected.

18. Table 3 The Percentage of Responses in Sexual Assault Symptom Scale among Sexually Abused Children. Sexual Assault Scale Percentage Disclosure shame 49% Safety Fears 43% Depression 35% Self-Blame 50% Note: The mentioned scale was the factors which contribute in their emotional trauma. 19. The evidence showed that there were changes in the intervention as days went by, for example, there were few participants who have done and followed the instruction correctly but there were also instances that they could not figure out what to be done, as an outcome it did not match to what has been instructed. However, the result of Sexual Assault Symptom Scale proved that the rest of participants were able to finish the transformational selfportrait in one week, nevertheless, even the participants were able to finish the intervention as early as the expected time it was not enough to reduce sexual trauma. The findings were able to determine that group therapeutic art is an effective tool to reduced sexual trauma. 20. Based on the results, it is recommended to conduct a different tool such as, workshops where participants will be emotionally inclined to deal with difficult and negative experiences. Also, a tool that will increase their awareness of the previous experience through exploring inner issues (e.g. cognitive therapy). In addition, future researches related to this study will have a clearer understanding in dealing with sexually abused children. 21. The results suggest that this group therapeutic art project may improve symptoms of depression and anxiety. This study is another building block in the literature on sexual abuse intervention and it is hoped that future studies on the effectiveness of this intervention for sexually abused children are performed.

TOWARDS A NATIONAL SURVEY ON VIOLENCE AGAINST CHILDREN Bernadette J. Madrid, MD University of the Philippines Manila and Executive Director Child Protection Network Foundation, Inc.

PHILIPPINE SITUATION Population : more than 92 million Annual population growth rate: 2.04 Poverty incidence worsened: 24.4% (2003) to 26.5% (2009) High income inequality compared to Asian neighbors Off-track in meeting MDG targets for Poverty Education Maternal health Malnutrition Philippine Situation 32.8million, 40% of the population in Philippines, live in slums Source: Homeless International, 2008 Philippine Situation An estimated 1,200,000 children live on the streets in the Philippines 35.1% if children live in poverty (2009) down from 32.7% in 2003. Malnourished Children The prevalence of underweight children aged 0-5 years increased from 24.6 percent to 26.2 percent, about 3.35 million children. NNS 2008 Over the last three years, the dropout rate for elementary students (aged

6 to 15) has increased from 5.99 percent (school year 2007-2008) to 6.28 percent (2009-2010), the ILO said. The group found out that one of the main reasons children quit school is that they are forced to work.

How are data on child maltreatment reported in the Philippines? One-off researches/survey Number of street children (DLSU & UNICEF, 2002) 246,000 street children Number of prostituted children (ECPAT, 1997) 60,000 to 100,000 Master list of CNSP in UNICEF CPC6 Disparity areas (2007) Identified 38,967 children One-off survey: Department of Health Baseline Surveys for the National Objectives of Health, 2000

How are data on child maltreatment reported in the Philippines? Child Development Index every 3 years by the National Statistical Coordination Board (Health, education, income; up to the regional level) National CDI (2006)= 0.729 CDI deteriorating since 2003 Consistent bottom 2: ARMM and Caraga Surveys done every 5 years NSO: National Demographic & Health Survey (2008) FNRI: National Nutrition Survey (2008) Young Adult Fertility & Sexuality Survey (2002) National Demographic & Health Survey (2008) Basic indicators on fertility, childhood mortality, contraceptive knowledge & use, maternal & child health, nutritional status of mothers & children, KAB regarding HIV/AIDS & TB. For the first time in 2008- included Violence Against Women Respondents: 14,000 women aged 15-49 years from 794 clusters nationwide National Demographic & Health Survey (2008) Violence Against Women survey results Over-all percentage of VAW= 23% First sexual intercourse was forced = 4% Percentage who had ever experienced sexual violence= 9% (range from 3% to 18%) Nonconsensual Sexual Experiences of Filipino Youth aged 15-24 yrs (Maria Paz Marquez & Grace Cruz) Unwanted First Sex 61% of females 53% of males

Coercive First Sex 5% of females 0.7% of males Based on the Youth Sex and Risk Behaviors in the Philippines: A report on a nationwide study 2002 Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Study (YAFS 3) by Corazon Raymundo and Grace Cruz. Philippine Pediatric Society A review of the Philippine Pediatric Society, ICD-10 Registry from January 1, 2006 to December 1, 2009 on the number of children who were abused or maltreated showed only a total of 15 cases in 4 years: 4 Physical abuse, 4 sexual abuse and other maltreatment syndromes 7

Child Protection in the Philippines INTRODUCTION Save the Children denes child protection as measures and structures to prevent and respond to abuse, neglect, exploitation and violence affecting children in all settings such processes are essential to ensuring childrens rights to survival, development and well-being in all settings at all times. It is when children are not protected that their rights as well as their families are most threatened. In addition, reaching the most vulnerable and isolated populations helps ensure the health and well-being of all and is indispensible in achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) The Save the Children Child Protection Initiative (CPI) became operational in May 2009 and aims to facilitate the delivery of better and larger programmes that meet childrens protection needs in Asia and globally. The CPI has identi ed specic priority result areas for the period 2010-2015 which include: Children without appropriate care7 Child protection in emergencies Child labour. Save the Children in the Philippines seeks to prioritise across the following strategy areas: children in residential care, children in armed con ict and disasters, children in situations of migration (including for traf cking purposes), and children in exploitative and hazardous work conditions. This situational analysis was commissioned by the CPI as a preliminary exercise to develop evidence-based recommendations to guide Save the Children in the Philippines to develop interventions under the CPI priority result areas, building on existing programmes and technical expertise. Speci cally this study aimed to a) conduct a rapid assessment of the situation of children in the Philippines in relation to the CPI priority result areas; b) identify gaps in existing policies, programmes and services; and c) provide a set of recommendations for Save the Children child protection interventions. OVERVIEW OF CHILD PROTECTION IN THE PHILIPPINES The study covers the period 2000-2009, which coincides with the term of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. This decade may be considered as a very trying period for the Philippines, and continues to be so as the country faces the challenges of a ever ballooning population, massive poverty, the increasing disparity between the rich and the poor, growing lack of livelihood opportunities, continuing exodus of skilled workers, political instability, a bureaucracy riddled by corruption, and pockets of civilian strife and armed con ict.

Based on census data in 2000, the population grew from 76.95 million to about 92.23 in 2009.10 While the population growth rate (PGR) dropped to a record low 1.91 percent, the country still has the fourth highest PGR in the Southeast Asian region11. Further analysis shows that the highest population growth rates were recorded in the poorest areas like the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and Region 12 (SOCCSKSARGEN) ISSUES AND CHALLENGES TO CHILDRENS RIGHTS AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT Evidence from listening to children leads to the conviction that many features of institutional care present several issues and challenges to the promotion of childrens rights. Some of these include childrens experience of abuse and maltreatment, stigma and discrimination, developmental delays, attachment issues, and others. Abuse and maltreatment: Children in some institutions face violence from care-givers and other children. The extent and nature of such abuse and maltreatment at the hands of staff that provide the services is often not revealed by children for fear of recrimination. In the regional consultation workshops, several children participants reported the existence of physical, mental and emotional abuse by house parents. Three boys in the House of Joy orphanage con rmed that detained suspected paedophile Paul Carlock fondled their sex organs and took photos of them naked. Carlock is a retired policeman and went to the Philippines to volunteer as Christian missionary. The kids fondly called Carlock as Kuya Paul the Clown. He rst arrived in the orphanage in 2004 and stayed in the orphanage for two weeks on that same year. In 2007, he stayed in the orphanage for two months. The orphanage houses at least 40 orphaned and abused young children. After the incident, the DSWD issued a reminder that foreigners should not be allowed to sleep in orphanages to ensure protection of the orphans from possible abuse WHAT SAVE THE CHILDREN CAN DO Research and documentation Conduct a systematic documentation and evaluation of its DRR programme in Bicol. Collate and promote best practices on how to prevent and respond to child protection concerns in local contexts in disaster and other emergency situations. Identify research gaps and conduct research to inform policy and programming. Programming and interventions Replicate Save the Childrens experience in disaster risk reduction in Bicol to other disaster-prone areas. Ensure all Save the Children child protection in emergencies (CPIE) programming adopts a rights-based approach, by developing inclusive programmes, promoting childrens participation, seeking stakeholders accountability and strengthening local civil society.

Promote the active participation of children in policy and programming, including in peace building and in the development of child friendly spaces ISSUES AND CHALLENGES TO CHILDRENS RIGHTS AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT While there may be data on disaster preparedness in the region highlighting food and non-food needs, these data hardly look into the psychosocial effects of armed con icts especially on children. Further, there seem to be no long-term assessments on the con icts impact on poverty, inter-ethnic relations and the coping abilities of the affected population. WHAT SAVE THE CHILDREN HAS BEEN DOING Save the Children, through its Disaster Preparedness and Response Mindanao (DPR Mindanao) Program, organized the Mindanao Emergency Response Network (MERN) as a product of a long, dynamic mobilization and organizing processes. Much of SCs disaster preparedness and response activities since 2003 have gravitated around MERN both as a recipient of programmed support and as a mechanism through which program components are implemented. Bibliography Save the Children 2011 Author: Jay A. Yacat Project Manager: Wilma Banaga Child Protection in the Philippines: A Situational Analysis Published by: Save the Children Child Protection Initiative in Southeast Asia and the Pacic

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