On April 17, 2024, Family Court Branch 5 in Trece Martires, Cavite welcomed children and social workers from AMG Bahay Silungan for a transformative session of the Kids and Teens Court Awareness Program (KTCAP). Led by the compassionate Hon. Judge Flordeliza Cabanlit-Fargas, the session became more than just a learning opportunity – it was a space for healing, empowerment, and hope.
More Than a Court Visit: A Space for Healing and Empowerment
KTCAP is a child-sensitive and trauma-informed court preparation program designed for young survivors and child witnesses of abuse, exploitation, and violence. It helps reduce fear of going to court, builds the child’s confidence, and equips them with the knowledge they need to testify safely and truthfully. The session offered children a guided journey into understanding the justice system, reclaiming courage, and finding one’s voice.
Learning Through Experience: Mock Trials and Real Emotions
One of the session’s highlights was a realistic mock trial, where children listened and observed how the lawyers would question witnesses, learned how to use anatomically correct dolls to tell their story, and became familiar with courtroom procedures and roles.. For many, the experience was emotionally intense, mirroring the tension they might feel in a real court trial – but ultimately it proved empowering. The activity helped children gain firsthand insights into:
• Courtroom procedures and decorum
• The roles and responsibilities of legal personnel
• How to respond when giving testimony
A Child-Friendly Court That Eases Anxiety
The courtroom was warm and welcoming. Social workers reassured the children that it’s okay to feel nervous or scared. Throughout the session, the children were assured that “you are safe and your voice matters.”
Building Courage, One Child at a Time
The emotional impact of the session was unmistakable. Several children expressed newfound readiness to testify. For some, the mock trial instilled the courage to consider filing a case against their abusers. A critical aid in this process was the use of the anatomically correct dolls, which allowed the children to describe their abuse in a safe, developmentally appropriate manner. These tools helped bridge the gap between trauma and expression.
Voices of Strength: What the Children Said
“Nakatulong po siya dahil nagkaroon ako ng kaalaman sa mga mangyayari kapag ako ay nagsampa ng kaso laban sa taong gumawa sa akin ng masama… Dapat din po na maging handa at honest kapag tinatanong sa loob ng korte…”
(“It helped because I learned what happens when I file a case. I also realized that if I don’t speak up, the person might hurt other children. It’s important to be prepared and honest in court.”)
“Kapag nasa courtroom, huwag matakot sa judge at sa nagtatanong dahil sila ang kakampi mo… Pero nung actual na, natakot ako, naiiyak, at parang naging pipe po ako.”
(“In the courtroom, don’t be afraid of the judge or the one asking questions—they’re on your side… But during the real trial, I got scared, started crying, and couldn’t speak.”)
“Nakakagaan ng loob yung online session… Nagkaroon ako ng confidence dahil may pulis at social worker na kasama.”
(“The online session was comforting. I gained confidence because I had a police officer and social worker beside me for support.”)
“Nabawasan yung kaba ko… Noong kinausap ako ni Judge Fargas, nagkaroon ako ng lakas ng loob at pursigidong magsampa ng kaso.”
(“I felt less nervous… When Judge Fargas spoke to me, I became braver and more determined to file a case.”)
A Holistic Approach to Justice
KTCAP is not just about legal knowledge – it is about transformation. Guided by the empathy of Judge Fargas and the commitment of court staff and support persons, the program:
• Reduces fear of legal proceedings
• Equips children with practical courtroom knowledge
• Builds confidence, emotional resilience, and readiness to speak up
This approach ensures that children are not passive participants in the legal process—they are empowered advocates for themselves.
Justice with Compassion
KTCAP redefines what justice can look like for children: safe, accessible, and empowering. It proves that the courtroom can be a place of courage, truth, and healing, especially when professionals lead with compassion. Through every court visit, we move closer to a child-sensitive justice system where no child must walk alone. Because every child has the right to be heard—and supported. One empowered child at a time, we are building safer paths to justice.
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.”