SLSU and LGU Lucban partner for community psychological services

Post date: 02-Jul-2020 03:17:29

Since the establishment of Lucban’s Shelter for Children and Women At-Risk (formerly known as Shelter for Youth Offenders and Crisis Center for Women) on October 28, 2013, SLSU through the Office of Extension Services and the College of Arts and Sciences’ Psychology program, has been actively providing technical assistance based on the needs of its clientele. The shelter was founded in dedication to the youth and as paramount testimony and legacy to the national hero’s ideal that the youth are the hope of the nation.

Moreover, the said center is aimed to serve as a temporary place for women and children who need protection and safety from abuse and exploitation. They admit children of 17 years old and below, who are victims of abuse (sexual or physical), neglected or at-risk, in need of protection and safety from prostitution as well as children in conflict with the law (CICL). They also admit women from 18 years old to 59 years old who are victims of abuse (sexual or physical), exploitation, and trafficking.

Other programs and services have also been established such as protection, psycho-social intervention, medical services, tutorial services, rehabilitation, and spiritual growth. In partnership with the SLSU's Psychology Program in charge of operations, the shelter is under the management of the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) of Lucban, Quezon. This program of the LGU is said to be a huge factor in their winning the award of being a child-friendly municipality conferred by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Department and Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

SLSU Psychology Program faculty members, administrators, and representatives from LGU Lucban pose for a souvenir photo

Based on the memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the two agencies, the shelter will refer clients to SLSU for psychological services which include testing and assessment, counseling and psychotherapy, rehabilitation through life and technical skills training, and other extension services. These will be handled by faculty members of the Psychology Department who are registered guidance counselors, psychometricians, psychologists, and licensed professional teachers. As of March 2018, there are already 130 cases handled by the faculty members of the Psychology Department. // With a report from Psychology Professors, Asst. Prof. Gino Cabrera, and photos from Dr. Helene Daya and Dr. Elna Cosejo.