EVERY time I sit in a Philippine family court with the Preda social workers and the children who are testifying against their sexual abusers, I see the many children and parents or guardians waiting to have their cases heard by the judge. Many other family-related cases come under the jurisdiction of the Family Court established by law (Republic Act 9184) such as adoption, reconciliation of spouses, family controversy, petitions for guardianship, custody of children and habeas corpus. There are petitions for declaration of status of children as abandoned, dependent or neglected children, and so on.

Besides all these cases, the court deals with all cases of children in conflict with the law.