Philippine Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act (RA 9344)

Republic Act No. 9344, the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006, as amended by Republic Act No. 10630.

A child 15 years of age or below at the time of the commission of the offense is exempt from criminal liability, subject to appropriate intervention.

The child is exempt from criminal liability and is subject to appropriate intervention measures.

The child may be held criminally liable under the juvenile justice framework, with applicable diversion, rehabilitation, and procedural safeguards.

The capacity of a child to understand the wrongfulness of the act and its consequences, assessed from the circumstances and evidence.

No. Discernment must be established from relevant evidence and cannot be inferred solely from age.

A child alleged, accused, or adjudged to have committed an offense under Philippine law.

A child vulnerable to circumstances that may lead to offending or harmful behavior and who may require protective or preventive intervention.

The best interests of the child, consistent with public safety, accountability, rehabilitation, and applicable legal safeguards.

An approach that addresses harm through accountability, repair, participation, and reintegration rather than relying solely on punishment.

An alternative process for addressing a child's alleged offense without proceeding through formal judicial adjudication, when authorized by law.

To encourage accountability, address the harm caused, and promote rehabilitation while avoiding unnecessary formal criminal proceedings.

At appropriate stages of the juvenile justice process, including the barangay, law enforcement, prosecution, or court level, depending on statutory conditions.

An offense with an imposable penalty of not more than six years of imprisonment, subject to the statute's other requirements.

An offense with an imposable penalty of not more than six years of imprisonment, subject to the statute's requirements.

Yes. The court may consider diversion for offenses punishable by more than six years, subject to the applicable statutory framework.

A written agreement specifying the child's obligations and appropriate measures arising from a lawful diversion process.

It supports informed participation, meaningful accountability, and respect for the rights of the child and other participants.

The case is handled in accordance with the applicable diversion agreement and statutory procedures, generally avoiding further formal prosecution for the covered matter.

The matter may be referred for appropriate further proceedings under the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act.

A series of activities designed to address the child's circumstances, promote healthy development, and prevent future offending.

Diversion redirects an eligible case away from formal proceedings, while intervention provides developmental, protective, or rehabilitative services.

A 24-hour child-caring institution established, funded, and managed by local government units or accredited nongovernment organizations to provide short-term residential care for children in conflict with the law.

To provide a protective, structured, and rehabilitative residential setting for eligible children in conflict with the law.

A specialized facility or unit within the juvenile justice framework for intensive intervention and support for certain children with serious offending concerns, as provided by RA 10630.

It strengthened provisions on local residential facilities and intensive intervention services for children in conflict with the law.

The Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council (JJWC).

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

To conduct or coordinate assessments, interventions, case management, and other child-protection functions required by law.

To provide appropriate support, supervision, care, and participation in the child's individualized intervention or reintegration plan.

Because unnecessary deprivation of liberty may harm development and rehabilitation; international standards require detention only when necessary and for the shortest appropriate period.

Children must be housed separately from adults, consistent with applicable juvenile justice and child-protection safeguards.

Children differ from adults in maturity, decision-making, educational needs, and capacity for behavioral change.

A coordinated plan addressing a child's educational, family, psychosocial, behavioral, and reintegration needs.

To support continued learning, developmental progress, future opportunities, and reintegration into school or the community.

It supports safe reintegration, continuity of care, and a stable environment for ongoing development.

It protects children's privacy and reduces stigmatization, discrimination, and unnecessary barriers to rehabilitation.

Their identities and personal information must be protected in accordance with juvenile justice confidentiality requirements.

A disposition under which the court suspends implementation of the sentence for a qualifying child and places the child under appropriate rehabilitation and supervision measures.

The court generally determines civil liability and places the child under suspended sentence in accordance with the juvenile justice law.

No. The law provides procedures for continued supervision, review, and possible extension within applicable age limits.

Up to the age of 21, subject to the statute's conditions.

To provide continuing support, monitoring, and community services after residential treatment or other juvenile justice intervention.

No. A child 15 or below is exempt from criminal liability, although appropriate intervention and civil liability issues may remain.

The child is exempt from criminal liability and should receive appropriate intervention.

No. Diversion should be considered when the statutory conditions are met.

The requirement to protect and separate children from adult detainees or prisoners.

Whether continuation violates the diversion agreement and statutory procedures governing successful completion.

The child's continuing rights to appropriate education, humane treatment, and developmentally suitable rehabilitation.

A child-centered reintegration assessment and coordinated protective placement or support consistent with the child's best interests.