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Open Heart Foundation Worldwide Inc. is dedicated to the empowerment of children and youth, believing in the inherent worth and dignity of a person. Our founder, Robert LeGore believed that if children and youth were given the opportunities and experiences by which to develop their potentials, they become responsible, creative, and productive members of society. Thus, Open Heart Foundation supports the campaign against House Bill 002 otherwise known as Lowering the Minimum Age of Criminal Responsibility, joining media forum, subcommittee hearing, and mobilizations.
House Bill 002 is contrary to what OHF stands for: that is the rights of the children to survival, protection, development, and participation. Putting them into jail at a young age will make them as a hardened criminal. Instead, full implementation of RA 10630 or Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006, which creates a separate justice system for children in the country and is guided by restorative justice, should have been exercised. The JJWA covers different stages of prevention, diversion, and rehabilitation involving children at risk and children in conflict with the law for reintegration. OHF believes that if the children are given another chance and proper intervention is done, they will be responsible members of our society.
News Article by: Saleah Joy Uclusin, CYDP Area Coordinator
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