File Type
Project Document
Publication Date
2022
Description
This project mapped and assessed the case-management systems and practices of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and local social welfare and development offices. It examined current practices, strengths, structural gaps, challenges, and opportunities across social welfare programs, with particular attention to child protection. It also assessed the feasibility of developing a comprehensive, integrated, and interoperable electronic platform for managing cases involving vulnerable children, families, Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program beneficiaries, online sexual abuse and exploitation of children, and other clients of the DSWD and local government units.
The assessment combined a desk review of policies, legislation, administrative issuances, program documents, and case-management materials with primary data collection in seven regions and at the national level. The research team conducted 68 key informant interviews with DSWD offices, government partners, and civil society organizations. It also conducted 21 focus group discussions involving 143 participants from 28 local government units.
The findings showed that the Philippines has an extensive child-protection and social welfare policy framework, but differences in local priorities, resources, protocols, staffing, and institutional commitment contribute to uneven case-management practices. Challenges included fragmented approaches, limited coordination, unclear referral pathways, heavy caseloads, insufficient numbers of qualified social workers, inadequate funding, and inconsistent data-management systems. The report recommended an integrated policy framework, standardized case-management procedures, comprehensive referral pathways, workforce development, supportive supervision, preventive services, adequate financing, and a national child-protection information system. It further recommended addressing these systemic concerns before migrating case management to an integrated electronic platform.
About the Project
The project was undertaken by Maestral International and the Social Development Research Center of De La Salle University on behalf of the Department of Social Welfare and Development and UNICEF Philippines. The team was led by Atieno Odenyo, with Dr. Homer J. Yabut serving as In-Country Team Lead, together with Lyka Mae Lucena, Dr. Melvin A. Jabar, and Ma. Angeles G. Lapeña. The assessment generated evidence and recommendations for strengthening, standardizing, and integrating case-management systems for vulnerable children, families, and other groups requiring social welfare and protection services.
Recommended Citation
Maestral International, & De La Salle University–Social Development Research Center. (2022). Report on comprehensive mapping, assessment and enrichment of the DSWD case management systems and practices in the Philippines [Final summary report].
