Definitions Related to Child Protection
Child Abuse
Under Republic Act 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation
and Discrimination Act, child abuse is defined as “the maltreatment, whether habitual or
not, of the child which includes any of the following:”
1. Psychological and physical abuse, neglect, cruelty, sexual abuse and emotional
maltreatment;
2. Any act by deeds or words which debases, degrades or demeans the intrinsic worth and
dignity of a child as a human being;
3. Unreasonable deprivation of his basic needs for survival, such as food and shelter; or
4. Failure to immediately give medical treatment to an injured child resulting in serious
impairment of his growth and development or in his permanent incapacity or death.
Children at Risk
Refers to children who are vulnerable or at-risk to behave in a way that can harm
themselves or others, or vulnerable and at-risk of being pushed and exploited to come into
conflict with the law because of personal, family and social circumstances, such as but not
limited to the following:
abused by any person through sexual, physical, psychological, mental, economic or any
other means, and the parents or guardian refuse, are unwilling, or unable to provide
protection for the child;
exploited sexually or economically;
abandoned or neglected, and after diligent search and inquiry, the parents or guardians
cannot be found;
come from a dysfunctional or broken family or are without a parent or guardian;
out of school;
a street child;
a member of a gang;
live in a community with a high level of criminality or drug abuse; and/or
live in situations of armed conflict.
Child in Conflict with the Law
Refers to a child who is alleged as, accused of, or adjudged as, having committed an offense
under Philippine laws.
Child Protection
Protection of children from abuse, exploitation and violence based mainly on the special
protection provisions of the Convention on the Rights of the Child particularly Articles 19-
23 and 32-40.
Child Protection Policy
A statement of commitment to safeguard children from harm, and that which makes clear to
all what is required in relation to the protection of children. It helps create a safe and
positive environment for children and shows that the organization is taking its duty and
responsibility of care seriously.
Child Participation
Refers to children taking part in a process or playing a role in a process that will affect them
in accordance to their evolving capacities, children thinking for themselves, children
expressing their views effectively, and children acting in a positive way with other people –
adults and children – in any situation, e.g. in the family, the school, the community, the
organization, or in political processes. Child participation includes working with children in
decision-making on matters which affect their lives, the lives of the community and the
larger society in which they live.
Diversion
Refers to an alternative, child-appropriate process of determining the responsibility and
treatment of a child in conflict with the law on the basis of his/her social, cultural, economic,
psychological and educational background without resorting to formal court proceedings.
Intervention
Refers to a series of activities which are designed to address issues that cause children to
commit an offense. It may take the form of individualized treatment such as counseling,
community service, skills training, or educational programs.