programs and services for prevention, diversion, rehabilitation, re-integration and aftercare to
ensure their normal growth and development.
(n) "Law Enforcement Officer" refers to the person in authority or his/her agent as defined in
Article 152 of the Revised Penal Code, including a barangay tanod.
(0) "Offense" refers to any act or omission whether punishable under special laws or the
Revised Penal Code, as amended.
(p) "Recognizance" refers to an undertaking in lieu of a bond assumed by a parent or
custodian who shall be responsible for the appearance in court of the child in conflict with the
law, when required.
(q) "Restorative Justice" refers to a principle which requires a process of resolving conflicts
with the maximum involvement of the victim, the offender and the community. It seeks to
obtain reparation for the victim; reconciliation of the offender, the offended and the
community; and reassurance to the offender that he/she can be reintegrated into society. It
also enhances public safety by activating the offender, the victim and the community in
prevention strategies.
(r) "Status Offenses" refers to offenses which discriminate only against a child, while an adult
does not suffer any penalty for committing similar acts. These shall include curfew violations;
truancy, parental disobedience and the like.
(s) "Youth Detention Home" refers to a 24-hour child-caring institution managed by
accredited local government units (LGUs) and licensed and/or accredited nongovernment
organizations (NGOs) providing short-term residential care for children in conflict with the law
who are awaiting court disposition of their cases or transfer to other agencies or jurisdiction.
(t) "Youth Rehabilitation Center" refers to a 24-hour residential care facility managed by the
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), LGUs, licensed and/or accredited
NGOs monitored by the DSWD, which provides care, treatment and rehabilitation services
for children in conflict with the law. Rehabilitation services are provided under the guidance
of a trained staff where residents are cared for under a structured therapeutic environment
with the end view of reintegrating them into their families and communities as socially
functioning individuals. Physical mobility of residents of said centers may be restricted
pending court disposition of the charges against them.
(u) "Victimless Crimes" refers to offenses where there is no private offended party.
CHAPTER 2
PRINCIPLES IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUVENILE JUSTICE AND WELFARE
SEC. 5. Rights of the Child in Conflict with the Law. - Every child in conflict with the law shall
have the following rights, including but not limited to:
(a) the right not to be subjected to torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or
punishment;
(b) the right not to be imposed a sentence of capital punishment or life imprisonment, without
the possibility of release;