What is RA 9344 all about?

Republic Act No. 9344, also known as the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006, is a Philippine law that establishes a comprehensive framework for the treatment of children in conflict with the law. It aims to promote the rights of children and provide for their rehabilitation rather than punishment, emphasizing diversion programs and community-based interventions. The law raises the minimum age of criminal responsibility and mandates the establishment of barangay-based programs for the prevention of juvenile delinquency. It seeks to protect children from exploitation and ensure their holistic development.