MANILA — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) operates 76 centers and residential care facilities across the country, providing services to individuals from children to senior citizens. These facilities offer temporary care for individuals whose needs cannot be met by their families, according to Assistant Secretary for Statutory Programs Ada Colico.
According to Philippines News Agency, 26 of the facilities cater to children, 16 serve the youth, 17 focus on women, four assist older persons, five are dedicated to families, and 10 serve persons with disabilities. Residential care is provided for those requiring long-term support, while non-residential facilities offer daily services to address immediate concerns before individuals return to their families.
For children needing protection, specialized centers cater to different age groups and cases, such as substance abuse recovery, children in street situations, and those in conflict with the law. Colico explained that the rehabilitation timeline in these facilities is usually six months but may be extended depending on the case.
Colico highlighted that children without families are prepared for independent living before reintegration into society, with skills training and educational support provided by the DSWD.