BACKGROUND.   In 1999 a group of concerned employees coming from private and government agencies in Danao City, in accordance with the office of the Danao City Social Welfare and Development, conducted a situational analysis and consultative meeting on the delivery of direct services to disadvantaged and neglected children in Danao City.  The result of that meeting was the organization of the United for Social Welfare Assistance to the Government, Inc., whose primary objective is to provide programs and services for the protection and survival of street children. One major concern of the organization was the construction of a drop-in center which could serve as the processing facility for the children who would be referred into the services offered by the different government and non-government organizations.  In 2001 the organiztion was finally registered at the Securities and Exchange Commission, Cebu City with the license to operate by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Field Office VII, Cebu City and accredited by the Sangguniang Panglunsod ng Danao and Sangguniang Panlalwigan ng Cebu.   In 2002 the USWAG CHILDREN CENTER started it's operation using the quarter assigned to the Chief of Hospital of the Danao City District Hospital, Danao City, Cebu with the approval of the Honorable Pablo P. Garcia, Provencial Governor, Province of Cebu as it is located within the Lot owned by the Provencial Government of Cebu.   The Center formally opened on February 28, 2002.  Seven street children were initially served at the Center.  Since then, the Center has served  many children, both residential and transient.   The USWAG Children Center closely coordinates with the City Social Welfare and Development Office, Danao City, Cebu in the implementation of the children's programs, particularly that of providing an immediate answer to the problem of residential care for abandoned and neglected children. 

 

RATIONALE and PHILOSOPHY.  The USWAG Children Center was established to provide street children their basic needs of food, clothing and shelter.  The Center is a place where children can rest, sleep, do personal chores, play, and socialize with other children.   It is intended to keep children off the streets by providing an atmosphere of physical and emotional security and safety. 

 

POLICIES and PROCEDURES on ADMISSION CRITERIA.  (1.)  The Center maintains an 'open door' policy.  It caters primarily to street children who are orphans, stowaways, battered, exploited and abused children.  It provides a 24 hour service to accomodate day and night shelter.  Age category of children is from 0 to 13 years old.  Area of jurisdiction is Danao City and the Province of Cebu.  (2.) Upon admission the Social Worker takes an intake assessment of the child to be able to know the name, age, family background, the category of the child and his/her activities in the street.  (3.) The child is taken to the nearest health center for a medical and physical examination in order to determine his/her status and appropriate treatment if necessary.  (4.) Every child is given an orientation by the House Parent on schedule and the routine of household chores in the Center. 

 

RESIDENTIAL CARE PROGRAMS (Home Life).  Before a child returns to normal community life, or is referred to a more permanent center, USWAG Children Center provides the transition phase in his/her life, and the approriate intervention phase. 

 

PHYSICAL SETTING. 

(1.)  The Center is a concrete structure with the following floor plan:

 (a) An Administrative Office for the Center Administrator.

 (b) A conference room/reception area with toilet facilities. 

 (c) An office to the Social Worker, which can also serve as a counseling room. 

 (d) Sleeping quarters for the boys with toilet and bath facilities.

 (e) Sleeping quarters for girls with toilet and bath facilities.

 (f) A kitchen.

 (g) A dining room.

(2.)  The sleeping quarters are equipped with double deck beds to maximize utilization of space at a maximum of 25    children for each room. 

(3.)  The kitchen will be furnished with one portable gas stove to augment cooking requirements.  Open shelves line the walls to stock dry goods.  A dirty kitchen and washing area is located outside.

(4.)  One six seater dining table is used to serve the meals. 

 

HOME LIFE ROUTINE.  The children are guided by a schedule of activities and follow a daily routine. 

 

(1.)  Value Formation:

The Center educator, house parents, social workers and volunteers conduct educational activities and value formation sessions regularly on scheduled time as part of the Center's rehabilitation program.  A prepared module is used for uniformity of approach and subject matter.  The house parent is the surrogate parent of the children. It is a policy that they eat with the children, sleep in the same room with them, and be present during both work and play.  The house parent is also an authority figure, performing the role of guardian and disciplinarian.  Through the value formation sessions, the children are helped to identify positive values, discover their potentials, and recognize their self-worth and dignity as Christians and responsible citizens.  

(2.)  Basic Literacy Program:

Integrated with the value formation program is basic literacy which is part of the informal eucation provided to the children.  This is conducted by the Center's educator and volunteers under the supervision of the Center Administrator.

(3.)  Formal Educatio:

Access to formal education is provided to qualified children who are referred to the Center on or before the enrollment period.  All requirements and needs related to school are provided for by USWAG Children Center to its resident children.

(4.)  Recreational Activity:

Play and recreational activities under the guidance of the house parents and Center educator are part of the Center's scheduled program.  Toys and educational games are available.  Outings to the beach, joy riding and educational tours provide a break from the routine of group living in the drop-in Center.  These supervised recreational activities serve to develop discipline, team work and camaraderie among the children.

(5.)  Developing Participation:

The children are encouraged to express their views and opinions to the Center's rules and regulations by informal dialogues and meetings.  They are consulted, among other things, in the preparation of menus and their choice of recreational activities.  Once every quarter, a focused group discussion is organized to allow children to express their views on their rights and responsibilities.

 

NUTRITION and HEALTH MAINTENANCE. 

  Nutrition:  The Center's house parents prepare together with one or two of the older children, a weekly menu which is inexpensive, but nutricious.   The children help in food preparation under the supervision of the house parents.  They set the table for meals and wash the dishes, pots and pans.  Proper eating habits such as washing of hands and praying before and after meals are observed.

 

Residents of USWAG Children's Center submit to medical checkups upon admission.  Regularly monthly visits to the Doctor or Clinic are made to monitor weight and health status.  Immunizations and deworming are maintained.  The house parents keep a medical record of each child.   In cases where hospitalization is needed USWAG Children Center has access to a government hospital.  House parents see to it that personal hygiene is observed.  They supervise the daily baths of the children, brushing of their teeth, washing of their hands before and after each meal, and washing of feet before going to sleep.

 

(A)  Case Management:

The case management method is employed by USWAG Children Center as a means of helping children in a one-on-one relationship to achieve behavorial and/or environmental change.

(B)  Steps in Case Management:

  (1.)  Intake assessment- The Social Worker gathers data from the child as to family background, educational attainment, and the status of the child whether he/she is abandoned, neglected, exploited or abused.

  (2.)  The house parents make an anecdotal record which reflects the behavior of the child.  From the anecdotal record the Social Worker gets a diagnostic impression of the child.

  (3.)  Treatment Plan- The Social Worker with the assistance of the house parents and the Center Administrator determines the treatment plan for the child.

  (4.)  The treatment plan is then implemented.

  (5.)  Evaluation-  The case management team, composed of the Social Worker, the house parents and the Center Administrator evaluates the treatment plan monthly. 

  (6.)  After the process of evaluation, within six months to one year, the case of each individual child is terminated.  As part of the termination process, the Social Worker determines whether the child be returned to his/her natural parents, or be referred to an appropriate agency.

  (7.)  After care-  Home visits are made by the Social Worker to check the child's condition.

(C)  Counseling:

This is done especially for children who manifest behavorial problems.  The Social Worker is tasked to do individual counseling.

(D)  Psychological and Psychiatric Tests:

If a child shows behavior which is clearly dysfunctional, then psychiatric and psychological tests are administered to the child.  In the absence of an in-house psychologist or psychometrician, the Social Worker seeks professional services outside by networking with hospitals, professional groups, schools and other agencies offering psycho-social programs. 

 

     CHILDREN

          USWAG  BOARD OF TRUSTEES

                 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

                       CENTER ADMINISTRATOR

                             SOCIAL WORKER-HOUSE PARENTS-CENTER EDUCATOR-GUARDS-DRIVER-UTILITY

 

Personnel Policies:

(1.)  Working Hours.  The Center Administrator reports from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM from Monday to Friday.  He/she may come to the Center at any time aside from the scheduled time, when there is a need.  House parents actually reside in the Center, and are entitled to a day off once a week.  Days off are pre-scheduled so that there is always at least one house parent at the Center at all times.  Social Workers report from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM from Monday to Friday and a half day on Saturday.  Guards shall report for 12 hours daily on a two-shift basis, everyday with one day off each week.  The Center educator shall report for 5 days a week from Monday through Friday.  All workers are required to work extra hours when necessary.

(2.)  Vacation and Sick Leave:  All employees are entitled to 15 days vacation and 15 days sick leave with pay per annum.  It is the policy of the association to disallow cumulative vacation and sick leaves.  Vacation leaves must be filed a month before the applied period, and subject to the approval of the Center Administrator and chairperson.  Application for emergency and sick leaves shall be filed within 48 hours from the occurrence of such emergency or illness.

 

(1.)  Guards may search visitors of the Center on a case-by-case basis.

(2.)  Children should not be allowed to entertain other children outside the gates.

(3.)  Visitor's names should be logged with the appropriate date and purpose of their visits.

(4.)  All visitors should wait in the lobby and not be allowed to enter the sleeping quarters of the resident children.

(5.)  Visiting hours shall be limited from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM from Monday to Sunday  A lights-off hour shall be imposed starting at 9:00 PM.  In this connection the following shall be observed: (a)  Children should be in their rooms after 9:00 PM;  (b)  In case of film/beta showing, the light-off hour can be extended.

(6.)  No visitors are allowed to sleep inside the rooms except in emergency cases, or when the Chairperson or a Member of the Board gives permission.  Visitors should log their reason for staying overnight.

(7.)  Pull out slips signed by the approving officer should be accomplished for items taken out of the Center.

(8.)  Children aged 10 years and above are allowed to go out of the Center after securing permission from the Social Worker.  (a)  The guards should log all children going out.  (b)  Children allowed to go out should be back on or before 5:00 PM.

(9.)  No child shall be brought out of the Center unless accompanied by a staff member.

(10.)  The following forms of disciplinary measures shall be imposed on children who do not follow the house rules: (a)  Counseling (for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd misbehaviors);  (b)  Productive punishment for repeated/habitual misdemeanor;  (c)  No corporal punishment is allowed.

(11.)  Film/Beta showing shall be scheduled twice a week.  The Social Worker and house parents shall screen all tapes and TV programs to be shown to the children. 

(12.)  All childrn except those with classes should attend daily activities.

 

The financial plan of the Center is prepared by the Center Administrator, and approved by the Board of Directors of USWAG,INC.  The Center's budget includes the following:

(a)  Program:   (1.)  Food

                        (2.)  Clothing

                        (3.)  Recreation and special activities

                        (4.)  Health/medicines

                        (5.)  After care/Referral

                        (6.)  Formal Education

                        (7.)  Non-Formal Education

(b)  Administrative:

                        (1.)  SSS, Medicare/PAG-IBIG

                        (2.)  Salaries/honoraria

                        (3.)  13th month pay

(c)  Repairs and Maintenance

(d) Office Supplies

(e) Transportation Expenses

(f)  Miscellaneous Expenses

 

(1.)  An approved amount for petty cash is released each month to the disbursing officer.

(2.) Staff member's requests of funds for operational expenses should be released by presenting a budget.

(3.)  Liquidation report is submitted to the disbursing officer a day after the funds are expended.

(4.)   The Center Administrator fills out a request for Release of Funds form for special activities (anniversaries, summer camp, recreational activities, etc.).  Once the request is approved, the disbursing officer issues a check.

(5.)   All purchases are supported by official receipts and/or cash vouchers.

(6.)   All requests for funds are released by checks signed by any 2 signatories, namely:  Dr. Cynthia A. Duterte, Mr. Manuel Maglasang.

(7.)   A part time bookkeeper prepares a monthly statement of cash receipts and disbursements.

(8.)   The Center's assets are listed in a perpetual stock inventory that is regularly updated on a quarterly basis.

 

(1.)  Center Administrator

     (a)  Supervises the daily operations at the USWAG Children Center.

     (b)  Monitors all payables of the Center.

     (c)  Responsible for the preparation of all reports required by the regulatory agencies and the Board of Directors.

     (d)  Appraises the performance of the staff annually.

     (e)  Prepares Annual Report and Work and Financial Plan for USWAG Children Center.

     (f)   Represents the organization's President if necessary in various activities.

(2.)  Social Worker

     (a)  Responsible for the intensive case management of each child.

     (b)  Acts as Team Captain of case conferences assisted by the Center Administrator and house parents.

     (c)  Prepares the children's individual profile/case loads.

     (d)  Coordinates with the house parents in providing moral/spiritual value formation to the children.

(3.)  House Parents

     (a)  Act as parent figures to the children staying in the Center.

     (b)  Manage the household operation such as:  planning the menu. preparing the meals, cleaning the Center and supervising the laundry.

     (c)  See to it that the physical, social, moral, and spiritual needs of the children are addressed.

     (d)  Perform related tasks as found necessary by the Center Administrator.

(4.)  Guards

     (a)  Monitors and logs all visitors of the Center.

     (b)  Monitors light and water usage.

     (c)  See to it that children do not go out of the gate, and are safe within the premises of the Center.

     (d)  Log all items brought in and out of the Center.

     (e)  Fills up the "intake assessment" log form when the Social Worker is not present in the Center.

(5.)  Center Educator

     (a)  Takes care of the educational activities in the Center.

     (b)  Coordinates with the volunteers who come to the Center to offer their services for basic literacy and value formation activities.

     (c)  Assist the house parents, if necessary, to take care of the children.

     (d)  Conduct literacy class to 4-10 years old out of school.

(6.)  Utility Worker

     (a)  Responsible for the cleanliness of the Center and surroundings.

     (b)  Perform such other tasks assigned by the Center Administrator. 

 

The following are reported to the Chairperson and the USWAG,INC Board of Directors:

     (a)  Monthly status report of programs and services implemented at the USWAG Children's Center.

     (b)  Monthly Financial Statement prepared bt the bookkeeper.

     (c)  Performance Appraisal Report (PAR) by the employee during the anniversary of his/her appointment as a regular employee. 

     (d)  Annual Accomplishment Report of USWAG Children Center.

     (e)  Annual Audit Report by an external auditor.

 The following are submitted to the Regulatory Agencies:

(1.)  Minutes of the General Assembly meeting of the USWAG,INC Board of Directors.

(2.)  Annual Accomplishment Report of USWAG Children Center.

(3.)  Annual Audit Report by an external auditor.

 

(1.)  HMDF (PAG-IBIG)                                                                       Monthly

(2.)  BIR Withholding Tax                                                                  Monthly

(3.)  SSS Payments                                                                           Monthly

(4.)  Corporate Community Tax                                                         Monthly

(5.)  SSS Reports                                                                              Quarterly

(6.)  Annual Income Tax Return                                                         April

 

Networking is done with the Danao City Social Welfare and Development, City Council for the Welfare of Children of Danao City, and other Government and Non-Government organizations, for access to information sharing of experiences and mobilizing resources on behalf of the children.  Consultancy especially for psycho-social intervention services is made on a case by case basis with schools, private medical associations, hospitals and psychologists.

 

The programs and services at the USWAG Children's Center are evaluated by the City Council for the Welfare of Children and the different committees of the organization.