“Young Minds, Real Justice: The Kids & Teens Court Awareness Experience” (KTCAP) at RTC Branch 86 – Quezon City – Hon. Judge Jilliane Joyce R. De Dumo Cornista

Kids and Teens Court Awareness Program (KTCAP) at RTC Branch 86 – Quezon City

Presiding Judge: Hon. Jilliane Joyce R. De Dumo-Cornista

On November 6, 2025, Hon. Jilliane Joyce R. De Dumo-Cornista warmly welcomed the children, social worker, and intern from the Voice of the Free Foundation, Inc., along with representatives from the Justice Cecilia Muñoz-Palma Foundation, Inc. (JCMPF).

Empowering Young Minds Through Court Awareness

The Kids and Teens Court Awareness Program (KTCAP) is a pioneering initiative designed to educate children and teenagers about the justice system, their rights, and responsibilities. By fostering confidence, civic awareness, and respect for the rule of law, the program empowers child victims and witnesses to navigate legal processes with understanding and assurance.

Through KTCAP, young participants gain insights into court structure and procedures, promoting a culture of responsibility, informed citizenship, and trust in the justice system.

Meeting Court Personnel

During the visit, participants met the presiding judge and court staff, who explained their roles and responsibilities, helping to demystify the courtroom environment.

Child-Friendly Tools and Techniques

The Court Social Worker introduced child-friendly tools, including anatomically correct dolls, to help children communicate experiences they may find difficult to express verbally. Children were also informed they could bring comfort items such as stuffed toys or blankets during testimony, creating a more supportive and secure environment.

Guidelines for Witness Testimony

Participants were briefed on RTC Branch 86 guidelines, specifically those related to child witnesses, ensuring they understand court procedures and expectations.

Interactive Q&A Session

Children and social workers had the opportunity to ask questions. Key discussions included:

Accommodation for survivors if they see the accused – “If the accused is in detention, they use live-link or video conference to protect the child. If they are out on bail, the court can ask them to leave while the child testifies. These steps help keep the survivors safe. Social workers are encouraged to coordinate with the court ahead of time to make sure everything is properly arranged.”

• Support roles of court social workers – During trials involving children, court social workers often stay beside them as the support person and may assist, when necessary, but they cannot speak on behalf of the child
• Number of hearings before child testimony – The first hearing is the arraignment, and the second is the initial trial. Usually, the child testifies only once.
• Expected timelines for court decisions – The timeline depends on the number of witnesses and the court’s caseload. While one year is often considered the minimum, cases may be resolved sooner if the Family Court has fewer cases. However, Family Courts handle a wide range of cases involving children, including serious criminal cases, which can affect timelines.

Supportive Environment

The court generously provided snacks for all participants, thus, creating a welcoming atmosphere.

Feedback from Participants

Teen Participants:

• “Marami po akong natutunan sa KTCAP. Lumakas po ang loob ko at nasagot ang mga tanong ko. Natutunan ko pong huwag matakot, huwag mahiya, at huwag magsinungaling sa harap ng judge. Natutunan ko ring makinig, huwag manghula, at sabihing ‘hindi ko alam’ kung hindi ko talaga alam. Dadalhin ko po ang lahat ng ito sa aking darating na hearing. Maraming salamat po” — 19-year-old female
• “Natutunan ko po na hindi dapat matakot o kabahan sa korte. Hindi pala totoo ang napapanood sa TV na sinisigawan ng judge. Natutunan ko ring magsabi kung kailangan ng break at kung may hindi naiintindihan. Gumaan po ang loob ko at handa na akong magtestigo.” — 15-year-old female

• “Natutunan ko po na huwag mahiya magsabi ng yes or no, humingi ng break, at huwag matakot kay judge. Dati po takot ako sa korte, pero ngayon wala na ang kaba ko. Naramdaman ko pong hindi ako nag-iisa. Thank you po for giving me hope.” — Female, 17 years old

• “Thank you to the KTCAP program for helping us understand the court. I learned to be strong and never give up because God and many people are supporting us. I learned many things that I will apply in my life. Thank you for this opportunity and for sharing your knowledge with us.”  — Female, 15 years old

Social Worker:

• “I would like to express my sincerest gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the KTCAP as a newly registered social worker. This experience deepened my understanding of actual court proceedings beyond classroom learning. It reminded me that professional growth requires openness, humility, and a commitment to continuous learning. This experience has strengthened my dedication to the social work profession.”   — Kren Issa Marie E. Arga, RSW

Social Work Intern:

• “I found the KTCAP program commendable for teaching children that testifying in court is not something to fear. The court is often misunderstood as intimidating, but this program clearly showed that the court exists to protect the child’s best interests. As a social work intern with limited exposure to legal settings, I learned valuable lessons that cannot be taught in the classroom. I only wish this program could reach more children who are still uncertain about their future.” — Anne Noelle A. Balmaceda

Impact:
KTCAP equips children with knowledge, confidence, and a sense of empowerment, while helping social workers better support vulnerable youth during court proceedings.

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.”