THE CITY/MUNICIPAL SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT OFFICE (C/MSWDO) SERVICES FOR SOLO PARENTS AND THEIR CHILDREN

General procedures

1. Accessing Solo Parents’ Services

The solo parent shall file an application form at the City/Municipal Social Welfare and Development office having jurisdiction over his/her residence supported by the following documents:

a. Barangay certification that the applicant is a resident of the said barangay for the last six months

b. Appropriate documentation/evidence that applicant is a solo parent e.g. certified NSO copy of birth certificates of minor child/children, certified NSO copy of death certificate of spouse if widow/er, legal documents in case of legal separation, annulment, etc.

c. Income tax return or any document that will establish income level of the solo parent

The General Intake Sheet (GIS) shall be used by the social worker in the conduct of the intake review

2. In case of a transferee from other barangay, the applicant should seek first a clearance from other barangay indicating whether or not he/she has availed of any benefits for solo parents and the nature of such benefit

3. A social worker receives and ensures that all documents is complete and register this with an appropriate case number in the log – book Registry of Solo Parents

A. Assessment

1. The social worker interviews or schedule an interview with the applicant to establish his/her

eligibility based on the criteria set under Section 9, Article IV of the Solo Parents Welfare Act

2. A home visit and collateral information shall also be conducted by the social worker to validate information given by the applicant to probe deeper and come up with diagnostic assessment of his/her needs/problem.

3. The applicant shall be notified in 30 days after filling of the status of his/her application and shall be required to visit the agency providing the assistance. If applicant is found not qualified under provisions of the Solo Parent Welfare Act, he/she shall be referred to the appropriate agency for assistance.

4. After completing the data gathering process, the social worker will prepare the social case study report based on the information gathered and her/his professional assessment of the said applicant, indicating therein the appropriate services needed.

B. Issuance of Solo Parents Identification Card

1. Upon the favorable evaluation of the social worker, the applicant shall be issued a solo parent identification card duly signed by the social worker and the City/Municipal Mayor after 30 days from filing of the application.

2. In the ID is not yet made available, the social worker can issue a certification of eligibility to the solo parent provided that a thorough assessment and evaluation has been made.

3. The solo parent ID shall bear the following information: ID number, name, date of birth, sex, address and income classification of the solo parent e.g., A for above poverty line and B below poverty line. It shall also include the names of the family members, their dates of birth and relationship with the solo parents. Likewise, for revalidation purposes, the ID shall indicate specific years and space for signatures/initials of the validating officer. The size of the ID should not be more than 2 x 3.5 inches.

4. The validity of the solo parents ID card is for one year but renewable every year, subject to reassessment and revaluation by the social worker. However, to minimize administrative expenses, the ID indicates a three (3) year period which will be signed/initialed by the social worker once revalidated.

5. For purposes of control, the Solo Parents ID shall be surrendered to the city/municipal social welfare office should the solo parent transfer her/his residence to other area.

6. The city/municipality shall be responsible in the printing of the solo parents ID. Proper control on the issuance of such shall be undertaken by C/MSWD office.

7. The solo parent ID is requirement in the availment of any benefits/services provided for in the law regardless of the income level of the solo parent.

C. Application of Benefits from Agencies/organizations

1. The solo parent shall directly go to the agency providing benefits to solo parent bringing with him/her the identification card issued by the city/municipal social welfare and development office.

2. The solo parents shall undergo the necessary/required qualifying process in availing specific benefits from each agency. Likewise, they have to comply with the requirements set forth by each agency in order to avail such benefits.

3. If required, a referral letter shall be forwarded by the social worker to the agency, The social case study report is confidential and unless necessary and requested by the agency concerned ,such shall be kept strictly confidential and not be shared to others

4. In case of the granting of parental leave, a solo parent may directly apply to their employers for availment of said benefit, provided a solo parent ID is presented.