Turning Fear into Hope: Children Visit Family Court Branch 18 in Cainta for KTCAP Orientation
On April 11, 2025, Family Court Branch 18 in Cainta, Rizal, opened its doors to eight (8) children and seven (7) adult companions—social workers and guardians from Shechem Children’s Home—for a special session of the Kids and Teens Court Awareness Program (KTCAP).
Spearheaded by Hon. Judge Jennifer A. Santos-De Lumen, this orientation and exposure trip aimed to help children and their support systems better understand the court process and feel emotionally prepared to testify—with courage, clarity, and confidence.
Starting with Self-Expression: Drawing Emotions About Court
The session began with an art activity, where the children were invited to draw what they imagined a courtroom to look like and to express how they felt when hearing words like “judge” and “court.”
The results were deeply moving. While many drawings reflected emotions such as fear, confusion, sadness, and shyness, several children also expressed hope, relief, and optimism—acknowledging that they were finally taking steps toward justice.
This simple but powerful creative exercise provided a safe outlet for the children to explore their emotions, helping to set the tone for an open, validating, and healing experience.
Words of Encouragement from Judge Jennifer A. Santos-De Lumen
In a heartfelt message, Judge Santos-De Lumen spoke directly to the children and their adult companions, offering warmth and reassurance:
“The goal of this program is to help you feel prepared and confident as you learn about the court process and how to give your testimony. We understand that going to court can feel scary and overwhelming—but today, we are here to give you the tools, the knowledge, and the support you need to feel strong, safe, and ready.”
“It’s okay to feel nervous or afraid. These feelings are normal. What you are going through is not easy—but please remember this: you are brave, you are strong, and you are not alone.”
“Your story and your feelings matter. When you speak up and share your experience, you are helping judges like me understand what happened—and in doing so, you are helping yourself and others too.”
“Your voice has power. Your words carry strength and courage. We are here to make sure you feel safe, heard, and supported.”
Guided Tour of the Courtroom
As part of the session, the children experienced a court exposure visit. With the warm assistance of the court staff, they toured key areas inside the courthouse, including the staff room, judge’s chamber, and waiting area.
They also had the opportunity to meet and interact with Judge Santos-De Lumen and court personnel—an experience that helped transform the courtroom from an intimidating space into a more familiar, supportive, and approachable environment.
Empowering Young Voices
Throughout the session, children learned essential steps and helpful tips to express themselves confidently and truthfully when giving testimony. They were assured that they are not alone—that the court is here to protect and support them at every stage of the process.
By turning fear into understanding, and confusion into confidence, KTCAP empowers children to walk into court not as victims, but as strong, supported individuals ready to speak their truth.
Meeting the People Behind KTCAP
Behind the scenes of every KTCAP session is a dedicated team of volunteers, court staff, and program organizers who work tirelessly to make the justice system more child centered.
Their compassion and commitment help create an environment where children feel heard, informed, and emotionally supported—laying the groundwork for lasting healing and meaningful access to justice.
Reflections from the Children: “The Court is a Place Where Kids Are Heard”
The children who participated in the session had powerful realizations to share:
🗣 “I learned that the judge is kind and listens.”
— Female, 4 years old
🗣 “I saw what the courtroom looks like. I learned that if I tell the truth, I won’t get in trouble, and people will help me.”
— Female, 6 years old
🗣 “I learned that the court is not a place to be afraid of. It’s where people listen to kids and help make things right. I know now that telling the truth is brave and important.”
— Male, 11 years old
🗣 “I found out that I can have someone by my side, like a social worker or a lawyer, who will help me speak up. The court is there to protect kids like me.”
— Female, 13 years old
🗣 “I learned that even if I must go to court, I’m not alone. I have rights, and there are people who want to hear my side and keep me safe.”
— Female, 15 years old
🗣 “This program helped break the fear around courts. I understand the process better and know that honesty is not only respected, it’s protected. The courtroom is a place for truth, fairness, and support—not judgment.”
— Female, 17 years old
A Social Worker’s Perspective: Helping Children Find Courage in the Courtroom
For the Shechem Children’s Home team, the KTCAP session was more than a learning opportunity—it was a chance to witness transformation.
“Many of the children came in feeling scared, confused, or unsure. But through fun activities, open conversations, and the warm support of the court staff, we watched them slowly grow more at ease.”
“By the end of the session, we saw more confidence in their posture, more trust in their eyes, and more courage in their voices.”
“As social workers, we are reminded that we’re not just advocates—we’re emotional anchors. This program strengthens our role in helping children face court not with fear, but with dignity and support.”
— Ms. Analyn Ablao, RSW (Shelter Head), Mr. Jay-son Deliman, and Ms. RJ Zyra Capangpan, Social Workers
Walking Toward Justice, Together
Programs like KTCAP are changing the way children experience the justice system. They provide not just legal education, but emotional empowerment, affirmation, and hope.
Thanks to the collaboration of the Justice Cecilia Muñoz Palma Foundation, the judiciary, and partners like Shechem Children’s Home, child witnesses no longer walk into courtrooms in fear. They walk in knowing they are prepared, supported, and believed.
About KTCAP
“The Kids and Teens Court Awareness Program (KTCAP) is a collaborative initiative designed to empower child and teen victims or witnesses of abuse and exploitation. Its goal is to prepare them for court appearances while easing the fear, anxiety, and uncertainty often associated with legal proceedings. Inspired by the King County Kids’ Court in Seattle and thoughtfully adapted for the Philippine context, KTCAP helps young participants understand the justice system, their role in it, and how to navigate courtroom processes with confidence and clarity.
The Justice Cecilia Muñoz Palma Foundation (JCMPF), in collaboration with the Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Child Sexual Abuse (CPTCSA) and Action Against Violence and Exploitation, conducts the Kids and Teens Court Awareness Program (KTCAP).
Every child has the right to be heard. KTCAP is helping make that possible—one empowered child at a time.”