DSWD DSW D-GFOT0| REV 00/12 OCT 2021 senor; youn CIRCULAR Series of 2022 SUBJECT : Enhanced Guidelines in the Accreditation of Social Workers Managing Court Cases (SWMCCs) L RATIONALE The Department of Social of Welfare and Development (DSWD) through the Standards Bureau (SB) issued Administrative Order No. 138 entitled “Guidelines in the Accreditation of Social Workers Managing Court-Related Cases’ thereby ensuring delivery of quality service in 2002. After six (6) years of its implementation and identification of some gaps, Administrative Order No. 1, series of 2008, entitled “Revised Guidelines in the Accreditation of Social Workers Managing Court Cases (SWMCC)’ was issued During the implementation of Administrative Order No. 1 series of 2008, there was a demand for the expertise of Social Workers in handling of court cases to represent, act as witness, and support not only the children but also the women, youth, persons with disabilities and older persons. At present, these cases include those involving online platforms. The requirement for qualified Social Workers managing court cases is intended to uphold and advocate the best interest and welfare of children, the youth, women, older persons, and persons with disabilities. With this increasing demand to further the skills of the Registered Social Workers (RSWs), the recognition given to the Social Worker's competence as an expert witness in court litigation and to exercise professional handling of cases in the court setting can be expressed in their accreditation by the DSWD Standards Bureau Republic Act (RA) No. 11032 or The Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act in the accreditation procedures while meeting the quality standards required for RSWs managing court cases. In the event of national emergency/state of calamity situations, additional procedures on virtual assessment are also included in the guidelines. A MANDATE AND LEGAL BASES The Department draws its authority to accredit Social Workers Managing Court Cases taking into consideration the relevant provisions of the following 1. Executive Order No.15 - Redirecting the functions and Operations of the DSWD Section 3, “(F) set standards, accredit and provide consultative services to institutions, organizations and persons engaged in social welfare activities PAGE 1 of 17 ‘DSWD Gonral Office, TBP Road, Batsan Pambansa Complex, Constitution Hills, Quezon City, Piippies 1126 ‘Website: hin //vse. dss go,ph Tel Nos: (632) 8 931-8101 1007 Telefi: (632) 8931-8191 VDDSWD-GF-O10| REV 00/12 OCT 2021 and monitor performance of institutions and persons engaged in social welfare and development activities both public and private’. 2. Republic Act No. 8369 known as the “Family Courts Act of 1997”. Section 11. Alternative Social Services. In accordance with Section 17 of this Act, in areas where no family courts have been established or no regional trial court was designated by the Supreme Court due to limited number of cases, the DSWD shall designate and assign qualified, trained, and DSWD accredited social workers of the Local Government Units to handle juvenile and family cases filed in the designated regional trial court of the place 3. Republic Act No. 11032, known as the “Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018”. Section 2. Declaration of Policy. It is hereby declared the policy of the State to promote integrity, accountability, proper management of public affairs and public property as well as to establish effective practices, aimed at efficient turnaround of the delivery of government services and the prevention of graft and corruption in government. Towards this end, the State shall maintain honesty and responsibility among its public officials and employees, and shall take appropriate measures to promote transparency in each agency with regard to the manner of transacting with the public, which shall encompass a program for the adoption of simplified requirements and procedures that will reduce red tape and expedite business and none business related transactions in government.” Act No. 10630 known as the “"An Act Establishing a e Juvenile Justice and Welfare System, Creating th Juvenile justice and Welfare Council under the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Appropriating Funds Therefor, and for Other Purposes”. Section 2 states that a multi-disciplinary team composed of a Social Worker, a psychologist/mental health professional, medical doctor, an educational/ guidance counselor and a Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) member shall operate the “Bahay Pag-asa”. The team will work on the individualized intervention for the child and child's family. 5. Republic Act 7610, known as the “Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act. Article XI Sections 27 (d) and (©) and 28 state that an Officer, social worker or representative of a licensed child-caring institution; Officer or social worker of the Department of Social Work and Development may file a complaint, and the offended party shall be immediately placed under the protective custody of the Department of Social Work and Development pursuant to Executive Order No. 56, Series of 1986. 6. DSWD AO No. 7 Series of 2005, known as the “Roles and Responsibilities of Social Workers in Handling Cases on Annulment, Nullity of Marriage, and Child Custody where it stated that a Social Worker is an Advocate, Mediator, Enabler, Counselor/Therapist, and Social Broker. A Social Worker is expected to conduct and perform responsibilities such as but not limited to Interview and PAGE 2 0f17 DSWD Central Ofte, TP Road, Batasan Pambansa Complex, Constitution His, Queaon City, Philippines 1126 ‘Website: hn dss gos ph Tel Nos: (632) 8931-8101 1007 “Telefix: (632) 8931-8191 PPD5WD-GF-010| REV 00/12 OCT 2021 Assessment, to act as Expert Witness, to monitor and provide after care services and prepare the termination of the case. 7. Republic Act No. 4373 known as “An Act to Regulate the Practice of Social Work and the Operation of Social Work Agencies in the Philippines and for Other Purposes. A Social Worker as defined in this Act, is a practitioner who by accepted academic training and social work profession experience possesses the skill to achieve the objectives as defined and set by the social work profession, through the use of the basic methods and techniques of social work (casework, group work, and community organization) which are designed to enable individuals, groups and communities to meet their needs and to solve the problems of adjustment to a hanging pattern of society and, through coordinated action, to improve economic and social conditions, and is connected with an organized social work agency which is supported partially or wholly from government or community solicited funds. 8. Republic Act No. 10847 known as “An Act Lowering the Age Requirement for Applicants taking the Board Examination for Social Workers, Providing for Continuing Social Work Education, and Upgrading the Sundry Provisions Relative to the Practice of Social Work”. Section 4 (a) on Penal Provisions state that (a) Any person who shall practice or offer to practice social work in the Philippines without being registered or exempted from registration in accordance with the provisions of this Act shall be penalized with a fine of not less than one hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00) but not more than two hundred thousand pesos (P200,000.00), or imprisonment for not less than six (6) months but not more than two (2) years, or both, at the discretion of the court. 9. Republic Act No. 10175 known as “Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, an Act Cybercrime, providing for the Prevention, Investigation, Suppression, and the Imposition of Penalties Therefor and For Other Purposes”. Section 4 (c)(2) content-related offenses states that the unlawful and prohibited acts defined and punishable by Republic Act No. 9775 of the Anti-Child Pornography Act of 2009, committed through a computer system. Accordingly, RA 9775 Section 6 (d)(e)(f) state that officers, social workers of child-caring agencies , the DSWD and LSWDO may file complaints on any form of the child pornography and other offenses punishable under this Act 10.Republic Act 9208 known as “Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003, An Act to institute policies to eliminate trafficking in persons especially women and children, establishing the necessary institutional mechanisms for the protection and support of trafficked persons, providing penalties for its violations, and for other purposes”. Section 23, Mandatory Services to Trafficked Persons — To ensure recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration into the mainstream of society; concerned government agencies shall make available the following services to trafficked persons; Section 23 (c) — Free legal services which shalll include information about the PAGE 3 of 17 ‘DSWD Cental Oc, IBP Road, Bolasan Panbansa Complex, Constitution His, Quezon City, Philippines 1136 Website: hips dewdlgov,p Tet Nos. (632) 8931-8101 1907 Telefax (632) 8931-8191 “Vb=DSW DSWD-GF-O10| REV 00/ 12 OCT 2021 victims’ rights and the procedure for filing complaints, claiming compensation and such other legal remedies available to them, in a language understood by the trafficked person 11.A.M. No. 03-04-04-SC, the Rule on Custody of Minors and Writ of Habeas Corpus in Relation to Custody of Minors. Section 8 — Case study: duty of social workers states that upon filing the verified answer or the expiration of the period to fie it, the court may order a social worker to make a case study of the minor and the parties and to submit a report and recommendation to the court at least three days before the scheduled pre-trial. 12.A.M. No. 004-07-SC, the Rule on Examination of a Child Witness. Section 5 Guardian ad litem states that the court may appoint guardian ad litem for a child who is a victim of, accused of, or a witness to a crime to promote the best interest of the child. The court shall consider the background of the guardian ad litem and his/her familiarity with the judicial process, social services programs, and child development, giving preference to the parents of the child, if qualified. 13.DSWD AO No. 11 series of 2011 known as the Omnibus Guidelines for Domestic Adoption Process as amended to Memorandum Circular No. 7 series of 2015. Section IV of the General Policies No. 11 states that a licensed social worker shall be designated to handle adoption cases on a full time basis, both at the Adoption Resource and Referral Unit (ARRU) in the Field Offices and Adoption Resource and Referral Office (ARRO) in the Central Officer. 14,Section 3 (b) Guiding Principles of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Executive Order No. 138 series of 2021, states that “the devolution of the provision of basic services and facilities to the LGUs and the determination of the functional assignments between and among the different levels of the government. (1) Public services with little or no benefit spillover are best administered and financed by lower governments, while public services with significant inter-jurisdictional externalities or benefit and cost spillovers are best assigned to higher levels of government. Public services with significant inter-jurisdictional externalities are those whose costs are incurred or benefits are received by more than one or multiple LGUs". Hence, the accreditation of SWMCC shall remain as a regulatory function of the DSWD Central Office. ill, OBJECTIVES Generally, the revised guidelines aim to enhance the standards in the accreditation assessment of SWMCCs to ensure quality, efficient and effective case management of Social Workers both in the government and private sector. Thus the objectives are to: 1, Ensure SWMCCs are trained and equipped to handle court cases. PAGE 4 0f17 ‘DSWD Ceara Office, TBP Road, Batson Pambansa Complex, Consttaion Fils, Quezon City, Philippines 1136 ‘Website hip//wwew- dsm gov ph Tel Nos: (632) 8931-8101 1007 Telefax: (632) 8931-8191 —\xDSWD-GF-010| REV 00/ 12 OCT 2021 2. 3. Ensure SWMCCs are qualified and possess the knowledge, attitude and skills in handling and managing court cases. Ensure excellent delivery service and monitor progress of court cases managed DEFINITION OF TERMS. . Accreditation — refers to the recognition accorded by the DSWD to Registered Social Workers who have satisfactorily complied with the requirements and standards in managing court related cases. . Active cases / caseloads — refer to court cases handled by the Social Worker in an agency which may or may have not yet gone to judgment. |. Court Cases — refer to civil and/or criminal cases filed in court for and in behalf of the individual/persons subject to litigation whether as victims, witness, or accused. These may include but are not limited to adoption, legal guardianship, cases of abuse, exploitation and discrimination and cases of children and youth in conflict with the law; Direct Social Worker - refers to a Social Worker who facilitates and manages people and/or group in crisis situation through the provision of appropriate assistance and services. . Guardian ad litem - is a person appointed by the court where the case is pending to protect the best interests of a child who is a victim of, accused of, or a witness to a crime. Social Workers Managing Court Cases (SWMCCs) - refers to a Registered Social Worker handling court cases who is employed by the government and/or private agency that facilitates and manages cases like, but not limited to adoption, CICL, abuse, guardianship, and trafficking and have the appropriate training or competence so that when an initial assessment is conducted, he/she will be able to determine the appropriate interventions for the client. Supervising Social Worker- refers to a Senior Social Worker who provides technical assistance and support, monitors and oversees the activities of the supervisee social workers and ensures the promotion of the best interest and welfare of the client/s, with and/or without court case. Service User/client/beneficiaries— refer to any individual/persons availing of the service of the social worker. Social Work Case Management — refers to the specific social work method applied to individuals/persons in collaboration with _ professional multidisciplinary helping team with an end view of empowering them to become a fully functional individual. PAGE Sof 17 DSWD Central Office TBP Rood, Batasan Pambansa Comple. ‘Website: hip/rww dowd. gov gh Tel Nos: (632) 89: Ttion Tile, Quezon Cy, Palipines 1126 11007 Telefax: (632) $931-8191 ~\AeDSW ‘tema Sa ts Seton (DSWD-GF-D10) REV 00/12 0CT 2021 10. Victim/Survivor of abuse - refer to person/s who are victims of abuse, neglect, v. exploitation, discrimination, and other conditions prejudicial to their welfare and development whose cases are filed in court. COVERAGE These Guidelines cover all Social Workers who are direct practitioners (Direct Social Workers) including Supervising Social Workers from the DSWD Field Offices, center-based and community-based social welfare and development agencies (SWDAs), Local Government Units (LGUs), other National Government Agencies (NGAs), LGU Designated Court Social Workers, Private Social Welfare and Development Agencies managing court cases of the disadvantaged groups. vi. QUALIFICATIONS A. Direct Social Worker . Must be a Registered Social Worker with valid license. 2. Must have completed a basic / refresher course on client specific and managing court cases or at least forty-five (45) hours for renewal and new applicants of training/seminar on case management of court-related cases or relevant laws from the last three (3) years conducted by DSWD or its recognized institutions including but not limited to Philippine Association of Social Workers Incorporated (PASWI), Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Child Sexual Abuse (CPTCSA), DOJ, PNP, UNICEF, etc. 3. Must have direct experience and must have handled at least three (3) active cases for the past three (3) years for renewal; or for a new applicant and has no experience yet in handling court cases, at least ten (10) cases managed for the past three (3) years of any of the disadvantaged groups. 4, Must possess and have passing points on knowledge, attitude and skills of a SWMCC B. Supervising Social Worker Must be a Registered Social Worker with a valid license. 2. Must have completed a basic / refresher course on client specific and managing court cases or at least forty-five (45) hours for renewal and new applicants of training/seminar on case management of court-related cases or relevant laws from the last three (3) years conducted by DSWD or its recognized institutions including but not limited to Philippine Association of Social Workers Incorporated (PASWI), Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Child Sexual Abuse (CPTCSA), DOJ, PNP, UNICEF, etc. 3. Must have at least two (2) active caseloads for the past 3 years. 4. Must have at least one (1) supervise with three (3) active cases. Must possess and have passing points on knowledge, attitude and skills of a SWMCC. PAGE 6 0f17 ‘DSWD Cental Office, TBP Road, Bataan Pambansa Complex, Constitution Fil, Quezon City, Palippines 1126 ‘Website: hip sew dss go. ph Tel Nos; (632) 8931-8101 t0 07 Telefix (632) 931-8191 TieDEWD.GF-010| REV 00) 13 OCT 2021 Vil. REQUIREMENTS Applicants for accreditation must submit a duly accomplished application form (Annex A) together with the following documents: New Applicant Direct Social Workers : Photocopy of valid Professional Regulations Commission (PRC) Registration ID Card Renewal — 1. Photocopy of valid Professional Regulations Commission (PRC) Registration ID Card . Photocopy of training Certificate to basic course and client specific training at least 45 hours from training, seminars, conference and other relevant training on case management of court related cases from DSWD or its fecognized training institutions, licensed and/or _aceredited partner agencies (i.e. PASWI, CPTCSA, DOJ, PNP etc.) from the last three (3) years prior to application; In case of lost certificate, a certification issued by the training provider may be presented. 2. Photocopy of Certificate of Attendance to relevant and/or client specific trainings attended or refresher course of at least 45 hours given by DSWD or its recognized _ training institutions, licensed and/or accredited partner agencies (ie. PASWI, CPTCSA, DOJ, PNP etc.) from last three (3) years prior to application; In case of lost . Photocopy of recent Certificate of Completion/Participation on refresher course on case management of court related cases (if basic course was taken more than 3 years ago) or at least twenty (20) hours of training on relevant laws certificate, a certification issued by the training provider may be presented. 3. Photocopy of recent Certificate of Completion/Participation on refresher course on managing court cases (if basic course was taken more than 3 years ago) or at least twenty (20) hours of training on relevant laws . Summary of documentation of at least ten (10) cases managed for the past three (3) years of any of 4, Summary of documentation of at least three (3) active cases managed for the past the disadvantaged groups | _ three (3) years (Annex B) (Annex B) ‘A letter of recommendation | 5.Recommendation from the attesting to the competence of Supervisor attesting to the — \ 2B@DSWD BSW D-GFA0| REV 607 13 OCT 2021 the social worker from any the following: © Supervisor of the applicant; © Philippine Association of Social Workers, Inc. (PASWI) © IfLGU Designated court social worker, from the clerk of court. competence of the social workers in managing court cases; The following documents on cases handled must be made 6. The following documents on cases handled must be least two (2) cases managed for the last three (3) years. (Annex B) available during the on-site | made available during the assessment: on-site assessment visit Updated Social case study| Updated Social Case reports Study reports © Updated —Progress/running | __¢ Updated Progress notes notes *Case conference ¢ Case summaries proceedings/notes © Case conference proceedings/ | _¢ Court Order/Decision notes Other relevant Court Order/Decisions documentation pertaining © Other relevant documentation to the cases pertaining to the cases 7. Copy of _ previous Certificate of Accreditation _ ‘Supervising | 1. Photocopy of valid Professional |1. Photocopy of _—_valid Social Regulations Commission (PRC) Professional Regulations Workers Registration ID Card Commission (PRC) Registration ID Card 2. Photocopy of training Certificate | 2. Photocopy of Certificate of to basic and/or client specific | Attendance to relevant course training (at least 45hours) | and/or client _—_ specific from training, seminars, | trainings attended —_or conference and other relevant | refresher course of at least training on case management of || 45 hours given by DSWD or court related cases from DSWD | its recognized _ training or its recognized training | _ institutions, and/or licensed institutions and/or licensed | _ and/or accredited partner and/or accredited partner | _agencies (i.e. CSC, PASWI, agencies (ie. CSC, PASWI,| DOJ, PNP etc.) from last DOJ, PNP etc.) from lastthree(3) | three (3) years prior to years prior to application; In case | application; In case of lost of lost certificate, a certification | certificate, a _ certification issued by the training provider | issued by the training may be presented. provider may be presented. 3. Summary of documentation of at [3. Summary of documentation of at least two (2) cases DSWD Central Oe, ‘Website: PAGE $ of 17 Rood, Batasan Panbansa Complex, Consttion ils, Queaon City, Philippines 1126 weds gen ph Tel Nos: (632) 8 931-8101 to 07 Telefax: (632) 8 931-8191 XBDSWD DSWD-CF-010| REV" (13 OCT 2021 managed for the last three (3) years. (Annex B) 4. Summary list of cases|4. Summary list of cases reviewed/approved as supervisor reviewed/approved as. (Annex C) supervisor (Annex C); © Technical supervisory notes to at |« Technical supervisory notes least one (1) supervise as proof | to at least one (1) of providing technical assistance; | supervise as proof of providing technical assistance 5. The following documents on |5. The following documents cases handled must be made | must be made available available during the on-site | during the — on-site assessment: assessment visit: © Updated Case study reports © Updated Case study © Progress/running notes reports © Case Summaries; Progress/running notes * Case Conference | ¢ Case Summaries; proceedings/notes © Case Conference © Court Order/Decisions proceedings/notes © Other relevant documentation |e Court Order/Decisions pertaining to the cases © Other relevant documentation pertaining to the cases 6.Copy of previous Cerfificate of Accreditation PROCEDURES FOR ACCREDITATION 1. Application procedures The application is filed directly to the DSWD Field Office Standards Section (DSWD FO SS) where the applicant is located. DSWD FO SS shall review the application form together with the submitted documents in two (2) sets as to completeness and compliance. Original copies of documents submitted shall be presented for verification purposes. Once secured, reviewed, and initially assessed, an acknowledgement receipt of complete and compliant application documents, as stated in item Vil (Requirements), shall be provided or transmitted to the applicant copy furnished DSWD Standards Bureau (DSWD $B). Further, an endorsement report or pre-assessment report (Annex |) shall be submitted to DSWD SB along with all the submitted application documents for reference during the accreditation assessment. FO SS shall keep a file copy of all submitted documents for reference purposes as well PAGES of 17 DSWD Gena Offic, TBP Road, Bataran Pambansa Complex, Constaton Fils, Quezon City, Philippines 1126 ‘Website: hips dodo ph Tel Not. (632) 8 931-8101 1007 Telefix: (632) 8931-8191 TaeDSWD DSWD.GF-010| REF 007 12 0CT 2021 If, however, incomplete and uncompliant application documents are submitted, these shall be returned to the applicant and shalll then be notified in writing that the application cannot be favorably acted upon unless the needed requirements to proceed with the accreditation are submitted. The respective FO SS shall provide technical assistance thereafter. These actions shall be accomplished within five (5) working days. All application documents endorsed by DSWD FO SS to DSWD SB are assumed complete and compliant. Hence, once the DSWD SB Technical Staff received the application documents, schedule for final accreditation assessment shall be coordinated and agreed on with the applicant. This process shall be completed within one working (1) day. 2. Conduct of SWMCC Accreditation Assessment After an agreed final schedule of assessment with the applicant, the DSWD SB shall conduct the assessment through review of case records, interview of the applicant, and conduct of other relevant activities within one (1) working day. 3. Facilitation and Preparation of Confirmation Report and Certificate of Accreditation The DSWD SB shall prepare and facilitate the Confirmation Report and Certificate of Accreditation within eight (8) working days after the conduct of assessment. a. Should the applicant meet the SWMCC accreditation standards, the Confirmation Report along with the Certificate of Accreditation shall be prepared and submitted to the Office of the Undersecretary supervising the Standards Bureau for approval and signature. b. In cases where the applicant/s falls below the set standards, the applicant shall be notified that the application cannot be feasibly acted upon, copy furnished the FO SS who shall then give appropriate technical assistance to the applicants on the areas needing improvement. A re-assessment may be conducted upon request of the applicant addressed to DSWD-SB copy furnished the FO SS but only after six (6) months from receipt of the letter from DSWD-SB 4. Endorsement for approval Upon completion of the Confirmation Report, the DSWD SB shall endorse it along with the Certificate of Accreditation for approval and signature to the Office of the Undersecretary supervising the Standards Bureau within two (2) working days. PAGE 100617 ‘DSWD Canal Office, 1BP Road, Bataran Panbansa Complex, Constitution Hill Quezon City, Philippines 1126 ‘Wetnite hipliarednndgev.ph Tet Non: (622) 931-8101 1907 Telex: (632)8931-8191 ~ \ ae#DSW BSWD-GF-010| REV 00/17 OCT 2021 5. Issuance of approved Confirmation Report and Certificate of Accreditation The Undersecretary or his/her duly authorized representative shall issue within two (2) working days after the receipt of the Certificate of Accreditation with the Confirmation Report. The DSWD SB then shall endorse the duly signed Certificate of Accreditation to the qualified Social Workers within one (1) working day after the approval of the Undersecretary. 6. Timetable for accreditation procedures ~ DSWD Procedure Responsible Timeline (working - Office days) 1 Application with documentary | DSWD FO SS. 2 days requirements is filed directly to the DSWD Field Office Standards Section (DSWD FO SS) where the applicant is located. DSWD FO SS shall review the application form together with the submitted documents as to completeness and compliance. An acknowledgement receipt of complete and compliant application documents, as stated in item VII (Requirements), shall be provided or transmitted to the applicant copy furnished DSWD SB. 2 | Endorse the complete and compliant | DSWD FO SS 3 days application and documentary fequirements to DSWD Standards Bureau (DSWD SB) with endorsement Teport or pre-assessment report (Annex 1). Incomplete and = —_uncompliant application documents submitted, shall be returned to the applicant who shall then be notified in writing that the application cannot be favorably acted upon unless the needed requirements to proceed with the accreditation are submitted The respective Field Office Standards Section (FO SS) shall provide technical assistance thereafter. PAGE 11 of 17 DSWD Corral Offic, [BP Road, Bataan Pambansa Complex, Consitaion Fils, Quezon Cy, ‘Website: hin!/vww.dsid.go ph Tel Nos: (632)8981-8101 t907 Telefax: (612) 8931-8191 “V2BSND-GEOI0| REV 00/12 OCT 2021 3 Setting of the schedule _ for assessment with the applicant. FO SS shall be furnished with a copy of the agreed schedule. DSWD SB Tday Conduct of SWMCC Accreditation Assessment Conduct of assessment through review of case records, interview of the applicant, and conduct of other relevant activities DSWD SB Tday \ccreditation Facilitation and Preparation of Confirmation Report and Certificate of Preparation of Confirmation Report, regardless if the applicant has passed or has not met the SWMCC accreditation standards. DSWD SB 5 days For applicants who met the accreditation standards, preparation of Certificate of Accreditation DSWD SB 1 day For applicants who failed to meet the accreditation standards, a letter that the application cannot feasibly acted upon shall be sent and copy furnished FO SS for technical assistance DSWD SB 2days Endorsement for Approval Endorsement of approved Confirmation Report and Certificate of Accreditation to the Office of the Undersecretary supervising the Standards Bureau for approval Office of the Assistance Secretary supervising the Standards Bureau_| 2 days Accreditation Issuance of duly approved Confirmation Report and Certificate of Issuance of the duly signed Confirmation Report and Certificate of Accreditation to SB Office of the Undersecretary supervising the Standards Bureau 2 days 40 |Endorsement of the duly signed Certificate of Accreditation to the applicant DSWD SB Tday Total 20 working days _ | IX. VIRTUAL ASSESSMENT This assessment procedure will be used during the state of National Emergency/ State of Calamity declared by the President of the Philippines or by the appropriate national PAGE 12017 STSWD Con Ofice TBP Ren Bats Pane Complex, Coostaon Fills, Quezon Ci, Pilippnes 1126 "Website: hp dst. gh Tel Nos; (632) 8931-8101 10 07 Telefax: (632) 893 191 |eDSWD-GF-O10| REV 00/12 OCT 2021 agency, provided that both the assessor and the applicant agree to this mode of assessment Moreover, a virtual assessment shall be considered if a lone application for renewal is located in a remote/far flung area or itis the only application in the region The same timetable during regular accreditation shall be followed and will be used but means of assessment will be through available and/or preferred online platforms. Furthermore, the submission of application documents using the prescribed application form along with the requirements is to be submitted as scanned copy via email copy furnished DSWD SB. x. RENEWAL AND VALIDITY OF ACCREDITATION Renewal of accreditation shall be filed sixty (60) working days prior to the expiration of the existing SWMCC Accreditation. The Certificate of Accreditation is valid for five (5) years from date of issuance and is non-transferable. The Certificate of Accreditation shall indicate the accreditation number (DSWD-SB_SWMCC-FO__-20_ ), issuance and validity date. For SWMCC who have passed the three (3) consecutive accreditation assessments, their 4" accreditation will have 7 years validity subject to regular monitoring The issued SWMCC Certificate of Accreditation is valid as long as the holder's PRC ID is also valid. The same valid SWMCC Certificate of Accreditation can be carried over in case of resignation from current workplace and transfer to a new job placement. Xl. GROUNDS FOR NON-ACCREDITATION AND NON-RENEWAL OF ACCREDITATION Accreditation or renewal of accreditation shall not be granted to social workers on the following grounds: 1. Having been charged under Republic Act No. 3019 otherwise known as the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. Being charged means a criminal information is filed in any court; 2. Clear and convincing evidence of incompetence, exploitation, abuse or neglect of the case; 3. Found guilty of any administrative charge in connection with abuse and exploitation of clients and beneficiaries; 4. Having been criminally charged before any court in relation to abuse and exploitation of clients and beneficiaries; PAGE 130617 DSWD Cental Office, TAP Road, Ratan Pambansa Complex, Consutution Fis, Quezon City, Fil Website: p/w dad gov ph Tet Nos. (632)8 931-8101 w 07 Telefax: (632) 893 ~ |e@DSW DBWD.GFDIO| REV 00/12 OCT 2021 5. 6. Possess revoked, invalid, and/or expired PRC license; Have been criminally charged for violation of Republic Act No. 7610 Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act, Republic Act No. 8353 The Anti-Rape Law of 1997 and Republic Act No. 9208 The Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003; Other activities inimical to the best interest of clients and the profession. XI, BENEFITS OF AN ACCREDITED SOCIAL WORKER An accredited Social Worker shall be given priority for: 4; Inclusion in the list of professionals for consideration in scholarships, fellowships, and Post graduate studies in regional, national, and foreign level courses or trainings relative to management of court cases of disadvantaged individuals or groups Continuing technical assistance to include —_ attendance _—_in training/seminar/workshops/lecture series and other forms of capability building activities. Attendance in consultation meeting/s for program development, policy formulation and other related activities of the Department Inclusion of his/her name in the list of accredited Social Workers Managing Court Case that will be posted at the DSWD Website Access to DSWD knowledge management center XI, INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENT 1 Field Offices a. Ensure compliance of service providers to the guidelines. b. Ensure applicant/s’ complete and compliant documentary requirements . Provide technical assistance to applicants’ complete and compliant documentary requirements d. Pursue advocacy through regular orientation/consultation and dialogue to promote the guidelines especially at LGUs, Courts and Private SWAs and SWDAs e. Include SWMCC Accreditation facilitation and Accredited SWMCC Monitoring Report (Annex H) on Quarterly report and shall be submitted to the Standards Bureau every 10" day of the first month of the succeeding quarter; f. Include LGU/Private SWAs and SWDAs' Social Workers in the provision of trainings on management of court cases; . Provide technical assistance to LGUs/SWAs/SWDAs on the management of court-related cases. h. Provide LGUs/SWAs/SWDAs of lists of DSWD recognized training institutions. PAGE 140617 DSWD Cenral Oc, Road, Batasan Parfansa Complex, Constitution His, Queaon City, Philippines 1126 ‘Webwit: hinds av ph Tet Nos: (632) 8931-8101 t9.07 Telefax: (632) 8931-8191 Pe2 DSW DSWD-GF-010| REV 00/13 OCT 2021 2. Standards Bureau a. Ensure nationwide dissemination of the guidelines and tools b. Provide technical assistance to FOs on the interpretation of the guidelines, tools and requirements for accreditation; cc. Assess application for accreditation; d. Coordinate with the Supreme Court/RTC and other courts of law on the Guidelines in the accreditation of Social Workers Managing Court Cases; e. Maintain a collated updated inventory of national accredited Social Workers Managing Court Cases as well as Social Workers Managing Court Cases whose accreditation have been revoked to facilitate monitoring of compliance and provision of technical assistance; f. Issue Certificate of Accreditation to accredited SWMCC; g. Develop advocacy materials for the promotion of the guidelines in coordination with SMS; h. Post the list of accredited Social Workers Managing Court Cases and list of Social Workers Managing Court Cases whose accreditation have been revoked at the DSWD Website in accordance with the Data Privacy Act. 3. Program Management Bureau ‘a. Provide technical assistance to FOs on the management of court-related cases 4. Social Welfare and Institutional Development Bureau a. Provide FOs a list of DSWD recognized training institutions; b. Develop training modules and conduct of training program to further enhance the skills of social workers managing court cases; cc. Ensure continuity of training programs to enhance the competence of service providers; . Provide reading/informative materials on laws and other issuances to accredited Social Workers Managing Court Cases . Coordinate with the PRC Board the CPD Points applied for the capability building of the Bureau intended for the SWMCC. 5, Social Marketing Service ‘a. Post advocacy materials in DSWD Website and other official online platform; b. Post names of SWMCC with valid accreditation, handling of which is in accordance with the Data Privacy Act. 6. Philippine Association of Court Social Workers, Inc. a. Encourage and support court social workers, especially the LGU designated court social workers, to be accredited; b. Provide training/refresher course on topics related to management of court cases; c. Advocate the guidelines during trainings/conferences/meetings. PAGE 15 0f 17 DSWD Cenal Ofc, TAP Road, Hataran Panbansa Complex, Constitution ils, Queaon City, Philippines 1126 Website: hp ww dnd gov ph Te Nos. (632) 951-8101 1907 Telefax: (632) 8931-8191 “ (BDSW DEWB-GF-O10| REV 00/17 OCT 2021 XIV, MONITORING As part of the continuing verification and monitoring, accredited Social Workers Managing Court Cases must submit Annex B or the Summary of Documentation of Cases Managed annually or every 25" day of January the following year to FO SS and copy fumish the SB. Non-submission of the same for two consecutive years shall be a ground for revocation of their accreditation. XV. TRANSITORY PROVISIONS A. Virtual Assessment A virtual assessment shall only be considered for the following circumstance or when any of the condition stated-below are met a. All applications for Social Workers managing court cases shall be assessed through virtual except for new applications; b. If the assessment schedule is set and the assessor has contracted or was identified as close contact of a COVID positive patient; c. Ifa State of National or Regional Calamity/Emergency is declared that to include high risk situations such as disasters, health emergencies, high alert level and/or threat to peace and order or in critical areas with armed conflict; d. If there is a local declaration of alert levels 2 to 5 in line with Republic Act Nos. 11469 and 11494 otherwise known as the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act 1 and 2; and e. Ifa lone application for renewal is located in a remote/far flung area or itis the only application in the region Provided that, no new applications shall be assessed virtually; Provided further, all assessment conducted virtually must be recorded for documentation following the provisions of Republic Act 10173 otherwise known as the Data Privacy Act of 2012 Provided further, documents and other references to be used during assessment must be submitted to the assessor. Provided further, stable internet connectivity is available for both assessor and applicant, and that virtual assessment is conducted in an undisrupted and private location/environment as case work may be discussed. Provided that, all applications assessed virtually shall be subjected for monitoring Provided that, the transitory period is effective only until 31 December 2022 B. Advocacy Period PAGE 16; BP Road, Datasan Pambansa Complex, Consitaion Fils, Quezon City, Philippines 1125 ‘Website: ine dawi.gs.ph Tet Nos: (632) 8931-8101 1907 Telefax: (632) 8931-8191 — \iie 7DSWD-GF-010| REV 007 12 OCT 2021 The Department shall observe a six-month (6) advocacy period prior the full implementation of this guideline and its corresponding accreditation tools. XVI. REPEALING CLAUSE Administrative Order No. 01 series of 2008 Revised Guidelines in the Accreditation of Social Workers Managing Court Cases (SWMCCs), and Memorandum Circular No. 17 series of 2010 Enhanced Guidelines in Monitoring of Social Welfare and Development Agencies (SWDAs) and Service Providers, rules and regulations and all other issuances or parts thereof which are inconsistent with this Memorandum Circular are hereby repealed and revoked accordingly. XVII, EFFECTIVITY This order shall take effect immediately after its filing at the University of the Philippines Law Center and submission of a copy thereof with the office of the National Administrative Register, University of the Philippines Law Center. Issued this _24h_ day of juoe_ 2022 at Quezon City R JOSELITO D. BAUTISTA Secretary Annexes: Annex A. — Application Form ‘Annex B. Summary of Documentation of Cases Managed Annex. Summary List of Cases reviewed/approved as supervisor Annex D. Assessment Tool for Direct Social Worker Annex E. Assessment Tool for Supervising Social Worker Annex F. Flowchart Annex G. Certificate of Accreditation Annex H. Matrix of Monitoring for Accredited SWMCCs Annex |. Pre-assessment Report Template Cert. True Copy 04 JUL 2022 MYRNA H. REY O1cPivision Chit Records ancl Archives i. PAGE 17 0f 17 DSWD Corral Ofc, TBP Road, Batasan Pambansa Complex, Conttuion File, Quezon City, Philippines 1126 ‘Website: hips dswd.eov ph Tet Nos: (632)8 931-8101 v0 07 Telefax: (632) 8931-8191DSWD DSDABGF ar Insert Insignia .... (tow pec (ne DSWo Brenaing Gudemes) lors as indicated in Annex A-Application Form SWMCC Annex A Application Form for the Accreditation of Social Workers Managing Court Gases Field Office: New Renewal (SWNCCs) Date: Fill in all appropriate spaces/boxes. Mark appropriate boxes with an (x). ‘A. PERSONAL INFORMATION 1. Name: 4. Present Address: [3 Civil | 2. Age: Status: ! 9. E-mail Address: 6. Mobile No. [7 Telephone No: 8. Tertiary Education: | 9 Graduate Stuales (if appricable) 10. PRC Registration No. | Validity Period: Agency where presently connected, Address (of agency): 14, Present position: | No. of Years in Service 16. No. of Years managing court cases 79. No of couri cases resolvedidismissed: No. of court cases handied in the past 3 years ‘Nature of court cases handiec! Child Custody Adoption / Legal Guardianship Termination of Parental Rights Marital ConfliclLegal Separation Child Support cICL Child Abuse | No, of active court cases. ‘OOOO0000 oO _DiOthers: Cybercrime VAWC DSWD Cenval rtgOTice Wetsit:nip 1) Tei Nes. (addres Phinppines Zip Codey Teel : pens ner use of atachmans) al ‘ry einer purposes sity ronoted Sislosure copying cr astrouton ots conten PereaDSIO-SBGE | REVO0 2022 B. TRAINING ATTENDED Trainings attended in the last 3 years related to management of court cases of any of the disadvantaged group: Ti Ds ‘Duration | Conducted by Note: Please use another sheet if necessary C. AGREEMENT | agree that once | have passed the assessment, the Department shall have the right to post my name and place of work under the category of accredited Social Workers Managing Court Cases in its website. D. SWORN STATEMENT KNOWN ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS: 1 , of legal age, and a resident of . Philippines. sworn that: 1. I have no pending case of graft and corruption; 2. Ihave no record or case of incompetence, exploitation, abuse or neglect of the case; 3. | am not found guilty of any administrative charge in relation to abuse and exploitation of cients and beneficiaries, with decision; 4. have not been criminally charged before any court in relation to abuse and exploitation of cients and beneficiaries, 5. Ihave a valid PRC License; and 6. Ihave no other activities inimical to the best interest of clients and the profession am executing this Sworn Statement in support of my application on the Accreditation of Social Workers Managing Court Cases (SWMCCs) with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (OSWD) Central Office. | understand that any misrepresentation as to the truth of the foregoing shall cause the disapproval of my application and/or outright revocation of the eligibility, Certficate of Accreditation, granted to me. : PAGE 20¢4 DSWD CLUSTER AMET ENO) | (OFFICE NAME)