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.