The topic I would like to conduct as my thesis is about child protection,
with focus on abused and exploited children or Mutual Support and Mental
Health among Children in Conflict with the Law. I am curious on how would
supportive communities, dedicated public resources, trained mental health
professionals and diversion programsof the government can promote mental
health and well-being of juvenile delinquents and help them to avoid re-
offending someone.
My interest started when I had anopportunity to work as a volunteer
Court Psychologist last 2018 November in a Family Court in San Juan. During
that stint I was expose in Juvenile and Domestic Relations Cases and other
Criminal cases. Our Judge allowed me to work with the Court Social
Workers , Prosecutors and police officers to deal with the CICL to determine
whether the he/she has a discernment, I had a chance to establish rapport
and conduct intake interview and we were able to determine his capacity to
have an insight to his action, during the said interview I feel excited and
challenge to deal with a person with a difficult behavior, I feel so interested to
know the factors that drive to commit offece. I feel sorry for the children and
their family for all the humiliation and agony thy experience during the
process. I want to be a part of an effort to break the stigma and other people
who maybe haven't been given opportunities to take a different route in life
and break the cycle of re-offending.
I am currently working as a Clerk in charge in Family Court Branch 14
and my interest and knowledge with criminal justice system for minors
improved. I learned about the diversion program of the government for the
convicted minors, this program seeks to introduce changes or reforms in the
administration of justice for CICL at the local and national levels based on the
principles of restorative justice. I believe that protection for CICL can be affected
through diversion at the community, police and prosecutors’ level in the
administration of justice. This is aimed at minimizing ’s entry into the criminal justice
system however I noticed the lack of Psychosocial Support which can be
provided by other mental health professionals.
If I will be given a chance to conduct this research, I will be able to illustrate
the impact of criminal justice system by seeking the views of the CICL as well as the
victims who have been directly affected by it. I will also be able to give a practical and
strategic recommendation on the issue of diversion.