Building Stronger Child Protection Practices
BACOLOD - The Bacolod City Government, in collaboration with International Justice Mission (IJM) Philippines, the Department of Justice, and the Bacolod City Police Office, began a five-day Videotaped In-Depth Disclosure Interview (VIDI) Training on September 21 at Acacia Hotel. The specialized training brings together professionals involved in responding to cases concerning children, providing them with an opportunity to strengthen their understanding of victim-centered investigation and the legal processes surrounding videotaped interviews.
Bringing Key Agencies Together
Participants come from the Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD), Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD), City Prosecutor’s Office, City Health Office, and Region VI OSAEC-CSAEM. Bringing these different offices together supports a more coordinated approach to handling cases involving children, particularly when interviews and investigative procedures require careful attention to the needs and welfare of young victims.
Protecting Children While Strengthening Investigations
The VIDI training aims to help reduce the possibility of additional trauma for children during investigative processes while strengthening the way cases are documented and prepared for legal action. Scheduled to continue until September 25, the training highlights the importance of specialized knowledge among investigators, social workers, health personnel, prosecutors, and other professionals who may assist children throughout the justice process. Through continued capacity-building, participating agencies can further develop coordinated practices centered on child protection and appropriate investigative procedures.
