In line with its continuing efforts at enhancing quality childcare across the country, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Academy has started
its week-long training for house parents from residential care facilities for children on Monday (March 24).
From March 24 to 29, over 30 house parents from various residential care facilities managed and run by the DSWD, local government units (LGUs), and non-government organizations (NGO) will undergo training at the newly-renovated DSWD Academy in Taguig City.
Undersecretary Denise Florence Bernos-Bragas of the DSWD’s Regulatory Services and Institutional Development Group (RSIDG) said the training will revolve on
the latest trends and best practices in childcare, particularly on children in need of special protection (CNSPs).
“With the success of previous training programs conducted in 2023 and 2024, we are proud to continue this initiative and make it as a regular course offering in
the DSWD Academy, ensuring that more house parents receive the support and training they need,” Undersecretary Bragas said as she addressed the training
participants.
The week-long training is the first batch among various courses of its kind scheduled for the calendar year of the academy, in line with the DSWD’s
commitment to institutionalize a comprehensive capacity-building program for house parents across residential childcare facilities nationwide.
According to Undersecretary Bragas, offering training like this is critical in supporting house parents as they navigate the intricacies of preparing children for family reintegration, foster or adoptive placement, and independent living.
Ultimately, equipping house parents with the right knowledge and skills ensures that vulnerable children receive holistic and rights-based care, the DSWD official pointed out.
“By providing training like this, we not only enhance the quality of care provided in residential facilities for children but also reinforce our collective
dedication to protecting the rights and well-being of every child under our care,” Undersecretary Bragas explained.
As part of the first day of training, Director Justin Caesar Anthony Batocabe of the DSWD Academy personally presided over the discussion of the module on the
Child’s Rights Perspective.
In line with the United Nations Guidelines for the Alternative Childcare of Children, the training program reinforces the DSWD Academy’s commitment to upholding international standards in child welfare and protection.
The DSWD Academy, a priority program of Secretary Rex Gatchalian, offers learning opportunities for the development of the competencies of its partner stakeholders that are needed in the delivery of social welfare and development, as well as social protection programs and services. (LSJ)