“Inside the Courtroom: Shaping Young Minds Through Justice Awareness” (KTCAP) at FC Branch 5 – Trece Martires, Cavite- Hon. Judge Flordeliz E. Cabanlit Fargas

Kids and Teens Court Awareness Program (KTCAP) at FC Branch 5 – Trece Martires, Cavite

Presiding Judge: Hon. Flordeliz E. Cabanlit-Fargas

On July 9, 2025, Hon. Flordeliz E. Cabanlit-Fargas warmly welcomed participants from the Justice Cecilia Muñoz-Palma Foundation, Inc. (JCMPF), including children, social workers, a social work intern, and representatives from the Department of Public Order and Safety (QC DPOS) and Barangay Child Protection Center (BCPC) – QC SSDD Bahay Kalinga.

Orientation on Court and Trial Proceedings

Hon. Cabanlit-Fargas provided an overview of court procedures, including the initial steps in filing a case and the placement of children in shelters when necessary. She explained how the preparatory court process works—highlighting the role of social workers and practice sessions designed to help children understand what to expect.

Special emphasis was placed on safeguards for child witnesses, ensuring the protection of privacy, safety, and emotional well-being throughout the legal process.

Protective Measures for Child Witnesses

Testifying can be overwhelming, especially in intimidating courtrooms. To reduce trauma, the court implements protective measures:

• If the accused is detained, they may not be present in the courtroom.
• Hearings via video conferencing may be conducted to prevent direct exposure to the accused.
• Alternative venues may be used, particularly in sensitive cases, such as sexual abuse where the accused is non-bailable.

These measures prioritize child safety and emotional protection during proceedings.

Supporting Children During Testimony

Social workers play a vital role in:

• Providing emotional and mental health  support to child witnesses – to shield children from further trauma, particularly when the accused is a family member, such as a parent, sibling, or close relative
• Monitoring signs of distress and intervening as needed.
• Assisting with identification procedures, such as line-ups, that protect the child from direct exposure to the accused.

Preparing children before court is essential to minimize trauma. A simulated court scenario was conducted during KTCAP, allowing children to act as witnesses, observe questioning procedures, and understand courtroom roles.

Court Questioning Process

Children learned that:

• The trial begins by asking basic questions about the child and the incident.
• Every participant in the courtroom has a specific role in ensuring a fair process.
• Honesty and clarity are critical, as the process is a serious legal procedure—not a game.

A sample case scenario involving an 8-year-old child and 13-year-old sibling illustrated how testimony is conducted, highlighting the importance of preparation and emotional readiness.

Importance of Readiness and Social Work Interventions

• Monitoring child readiness is crucial before proceeding with testimony to prevent further trauma.
• Social workers should receive continuous training to strengthen their capacity in handling child-related legal cases.  Resorting to court proceedings should always be considered a last option, undertaken only when the child is fully prepared and protected
• Early intervention through the DSWD ensures children receive adequate support before entering the courtroom.

Conclusion

By combining thorough preparation of children with strong social work support, the justice system can reduce potential trauma and create a child-friendly, protective environment that upholds the best interests and rights of the child.

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.”