Assessing The Impact of Holistic Intervention Prog
Assessing The Impact of Holistic Intervention Prog
Assessing The Impact of Holistic Intervention Prog
Abbreviated Key Title: Spr. J. Arts. Humanit. Soc. Sci. ISSN: 2583-2387 (Online)
Journal homepage: https://sprinpub.com/sjahss Vol.02(12), Dec 2023, pp, 24-36
Research Article
Shun Wicliff Urbano1, Jerome C. Arcangel2, Trisia May M. Cordosoc3, Christian F. Gonzales4,
Arnold T. Pascua5, Marvin Cabantac6, Joan A. Quilang7, Concordia Marie A. Lagasca-Hiloma8*
1-8
School of Arts and Sciences, Isabela State University-Cauayan Campus, Philippines
ABSTRACT
This study examines the impact of holistic intervention programs for Children in
Conflict with the Law (CICL) who underwent rehabilitation at Bahay Pag-Asa. The research
investigates the experiences of the children, challenges encountered during the intervention
programs, strategies employed to address these challenges, the effects of the programs on
rehabilitation, and the valuable lessons learned. The findings of the study show that while
some children had positive experiences and benefited from vocational training, sports, and
spiritual enhancement, others faced difficulties adapting to the structured environment and
needed more personalized attention. The intervention programs positively influenced
rehabilitation, increasing self-awareness, improved social skills, and enhanced vocational
abilities. However, the study identified challenges like loneliness, homesickness, and social
problems. The findings highlight the need for ongoing support, individualized interventions,
and comprehensive reintegration strategies. This research contributes to understanding
practical rehabilitation approaches for CICL and underscores the importance of holistic
programs in promoting successful reintegration into society.
Keywords: Children in conflict with the Law, CICL, Bahay Pag-Asa, holistic intervention
programs, rehabilitation, reintegration
Introduction
Over the past decade, the Philippines has observed a notable decline in crime rates
committed by juvenile delinquents. For example, in 2018, the crime rate among sixteen to
seventeen-year-olds saw a remarkable 30% reduction when compared to the crime statistics
from 2017 (Macaraeg, 2019). Nevertheless, despite this decline, the prevalence of crimes
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committed by children in conflict with the Law (CICL) remains a significant concern. For
instance, the aforementioned 30% reduction reduced the figure from 7,131 to 5,044 cases
(Macaraeg, 2019). Moreover, in 2020, the PNP Women and Children Protection Center
reported 15,892 arrests, with 9,502 turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and
Development, 2,447 sent back to their families, 3,111 remaining at large, and thirty-seven
under the custody of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (Philippine Center for
Investigative Journalism [PCIJ], 2022). Recent years have witnessed an increase in the level
of aggression among juvenile offenders. In 2020, 1,506 CICLs were involved in rape cases,
1,207 in drug-related offenses, 765 in theft, 1,452 in violation of RA 11332, and 10,079 in
other crimes (PCIJ, 2022).
Republic Act 9344, also known as the Juvenile Justice Welfare Act of 2006, forms the
foundation of juvenile justice in the Philippines. This legislative framework underscores the
country’s acknowledgment of the pivotal role played by children and youth in its
development. The Law also emphasizes the State’s unwavering commitment to nurturing and
safeguarding the holistic welfare of Filipino children, covering their physical, moral, spiritual,
intellectual, and social dimensions. After seven years, Republic Act 9344 was amended by
Republic Act 10630, further strengthening the country’s juvenile justice and youth welfare
system by mandating local government units (LGUs) to establish Bahay Pag-Asa Centers.
Translated as “House of Hope” in English, Bahay Pag-Asa centers are designed to provide a
nurturing environment for CICLs, focusing on rehabilitation and support rather than
confinement alongside adult inmates. Bahay Pag-Asa operates as a 24/7 child-care institution,
established, funded, and supervised by local government units (LGUs), often in collaboration
with licensed or accredited non-government organizations (NGOs).
Moreover, Bahay Pag-Asa centers are committed to implementing comprehensive
intervention programs that begin at an early age, with the ultimate aim of proactively
preventing recidivism and delinquent behavior during adolescence and adulthood. These
centers adopt a holistic intervention approach, considering individuals in their entirety. This
approach encompasses not only mental health but also physical, social, emotional, and
spiritual well-being. The program encompasses a range of activities, including therapy, skill
development, alternative learning, instruction, recovery, and family reintegration, as outlined
by the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council of the Republic of the Philippines in 2017. These
programmatic techniques and systematic social protection initiatives are designed to enhance
children’s physical and social well-being, proactively deter juvenile delinquency, and
interrupt or prevent re-offending, as indicated by Fabre et al. (2016).
Given these considerations, Bahay Pag-Asa plays a crucial role in the overall Juvenile
Justice system of the Philippines. Experts recommend the continuous implementation of these
programs to ensure the proper rehabilitation and restoration of children in conflict with the
Law. Furthermore, the utilization and enhancement of these initiatives contribute significantly
to the character and personality development of these children (Aala et al., 2013).
Additionally, a collaborative effort between detention center personnel, parents, and
community groups is necessary to address this issue (Turner, 2019). Therefore, the
effectiveness of an intervention program relies on the wholehearted cooperation of the
participants (Atianzar, 2022).
The literature on programs and activities aimed at rehabilitating Children in Conflict
with the Law (CICL) is extensive, with ongoing research studies exploring this subject. One
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of the earliest studies in this area was conducted by Collingwood and Genthner (1980), where
they assessed skills training as a rehabilitation strategy. Their findings revealed that “skills,
prior record, and race” were significant factors distinguishing recidivists from no recidivists
(Collingwood & Genthner, 1980).
In 1990, Izzo and Ross (1990) conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis of 46 articles
examining intervention programs for juvenile delinquents. Their research demonstrated that
cognitive programs were “more than twice as effective as non-cognitive programs,” thus
supporting the “cognitive model of offender rehabilitation” (Izzo & Ross, 1990). However, in
a more recent systematic review, it was established that interventions with the highest efficacy
in reducing recidivism included family-based interventions, particularly family therapy and
community-based interventions. This is due to the multifaceted nature of juvenile
delinquency, often stemming from family conflict, dysfunction, neglect, and maltreatment
(Azami et al., 2023). Consequently, interventions should encompass the broader context
involving family, peers, neighborhoods, schools, and the larger community to address the
needs of juveniles effectively.
In the Philippines, there has been a noticeable upsurge in literature dedicated to the
exploration of intervention and rehabilitation programs for CICL, including initiatives such as
Bahay Pag-Asa. In 2020, Cortel (2020) conducted a study that delved into diversion
programs, with a focus on the Bahay Pag-Asa program, serving as a center-based diversion
offering “residential and rehabilitation facilities for CICL” (Cortel, 2020). The study revealed
that programs promoting more meaningful and active participation yielded more engaging and
impactful interventions (Cortel, 2020).
Similarly, in Luna’s study (2022), the research assessed the provision of social welfare
services for CICLs at Bahay Pag-Asa. The results indicated that the increased availability of
social welfare services for youth reformists enhanced the efficiency of support for CICL and
resulted in higher satisfaction levels among Bahay Pag-Asa stakeholders (Luna, 2022).
Furthermore, in a study by Bongbong et al. (2023), house parents who work with CICL were
examined. It was found that cultivating strong connections with the children through trust,
respect, effective communication, and empathy is crucial not only for the children’s growth
and development but also for fostering harmonious relationships between them and their
house parents.
Within the research conducted in the country, there is an apparent gap concerning the
assessment of Bahay Pag-Asa’s effectiveness and its impact on the rehabilitation of CICL.
Palomares (2018) investigated the experiences of CICL in one of the Bahay Pag-Asa facilities
in the southern region of the country. Findings revealed various struggles faced by CICL,
including a slow and prolonged litigation process and instances of human rights violations,
such as the failure to inform accused individuals of their rights upon capture and poor living
conditions in youth centers and correctional facilities like Bahay Pag-Asa.
This research aims to address the aforementioned gap. The primary objective of this
study is to evaluate the impact of holistic intervention programs for CICL after their
participation in Bahay Pag-Asa’s programs. Specifically, it seeks to answer the following
research questions:
1. What were the experiences of the children who underwent holistic intervention
programs in Bahay Pag-Asa?
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2. What challenges did the children encounter during their participation in the
intervention programs?
3. How did the children address these challenges in the intervention programs?
4. What were the effects of the intervention programs on the children’s rehabilitation?
5. What valuable lessons did the children learn after undergoing rehabilitation in Bahay
Pag-Asa?
By examining the experiences of CICL, this study aims to gain a deeper understanding
of the effectiveness of holistic intervention programs and how they can be improved to better
serve the needs of CICL, ultimately promoting their successful rehabilitation and
reintegration.
METHODOLOGY
The research team opted for a qualitative research design to investigate the
implementation of the intervention program for children in conflict with the Law (CICL).
Specifically, they employed semi-structured interviews that allowed them to pose additional
questions during the interviews for the purpose of seeking clarifications and deeper insights.
The participants selected for this study were former CICLs from Cauayan City,
particularly those who had successfully completed intervention programs at the Bahay Pag-
Asa center. This choice was made because they were the individuals who had firsthand
experience with these intervention programs. A total of seven (N=7) former CICLs were
chosen using the purposive sampling technique. Purposive sampling is a non-random
sampling method wherein participants are selected based on specific characteristics or
qualities that align with the research objectives.
All the respondents resided in Cauayan City, Isabela. Six out of the seven respondents
were below the age of 18 when they were placed in Bahay Pag-Asa for rehabilitation. The age
range of the individuals included in the study ranged from 13 to 20 years old. One respondent
had a lengthy stay in Bahay Pag-Asa, exceeding seven years, while another remained for over
four years, with the rest having shorter durations, less than two years.
The researchers conducted one-on-one interviews with each respondent using an
interview guide designed to address the study’s objectives. The questions were centered on
the assessment of the children’s experiences with holistic intervention programs. The
interview guide was formulated based on the study’s research questions, which were derived
from existing literature and prior studies. Six open-ended interview questions were designed
to gather information about the participants’ experiences, challenges, and perceptions of the
intervention programs, as well as to assess the effectiveness and impact of these programs on
their lives.
The specific holistic intervention programs in question had been predetermined by the
researchers prior to the interviews with the former CICL. The Head of the Bahay Pag-Asa
Center identified these programs. Before conducting the interviews, the researchers provided
each participant with a consent form. This form served as proof of their consent to be
interviewed and contained a brief description of the study, including confidentiality and
disclosure policies regarding the use of their real names during and after the study. Once the
respondents signed the consent form, the interviewer informed them about the interview’s
commencement, as well as the recording process.
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Following the interviews, the researchers transcribed the respondents’ answers into
written texts, referred to as raw data. These raw data were subsequently transformed into
refined data to facilitate analysis. As part of the data refinement process, the researchers
translated this information into English. The refined data underwent analysis using a thematic
analysis approach.
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spiritual practices, noting that it has led them to reevaluate their actions and prioritize doing
good. The participants also recognized the importance of spiritual development,
acknowledging that it has helped them improve and find a purpose. These findings align with
existing research that emphasizes the significance of spiritual development in youth work and
its positive impact on personal growth and self-discovery. In a study, researchers note the
positive impacts of spiritual development on youth. The authors propose that spiritual
development involves, in part, the dynamic interplay of three dimensions: belonging and
connecting, awareness and awakening, and a way of living. Three initial challenges and
opportunities are emerging: empowering youth to explore core developmental issues,
motivation and focus, and multisector engagement (Shek, 2012).
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conflict with the Law (CICL). The IQ tests serve as instruments for assessing the cognitive
aptitude and capacity of CICL, measuring various cognitive abilities such as rational thinking,
deductive reasoning, and problem-solving. The administration of IQ tests is deemed essential
for evaluating the potential for learning and identifying patterns of strengths and weaknesses
among CICL.
In addition to the cognitive assessments, Bahay Pag-Asa also offers wellness activities
such as Zumba, which provide physical exercise and contribute to the overall well-being of
the CICL. Engaging in Zumba activities promotes physical fitness and creates an alternative
environment for the CICL to form new social connections and establish interpersonal
relationships. These dynamic activities contribute to the holistic development and positive
outcomes for the CICL within the Bahay Pag-Asa program.
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Adjustment of CICL into New Environment and Unfamiliar People
Adapting to unfamiliar situations or surroundings is essential to CICL development
and growth. The given issue at hand pertains to the concept of adaptation, which refers to an
approach utilized by CICL to manage the changes effectively. Adaptation is crucial for CICL
to transition into adulthood and become productive members of society. With the ability to
adapt, CICL can handle daily challenges and experience difficulties in their personal lives.
Therefore, programs aimed at CICL development and growth must prioritize the development
of adaptive skills.
The interviews shed light on the significance of adaptation in the development and
growth of CICL. Successfully transitioning into adulthood and integrating into society
necessitates the ability to adapt to unfamiliar situations and surroundings. The respondents
highlighted the challenges they initially faced in adapting, such as difficulty making new
connections and the fear of being hurt by others.
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C. Addressing the Problems of CICL Regarding Intervention Programs
The results show that the intervention program of Bahay Pag-Asa is an excellent help
to Children in conflict with the Law (CICL) to cope with the problems they face inside the
center.
They solve their problem by telling their house parents inside the center about their
problems. Sometimes, whenever they have a misunderstanding, instead of fighting, they
redirect their attention by playing basketball or seeking guidance through prayer and from the
Lord. They let their heads cool down before talking to their fellow CICLs. It means that
CICLs can handle every problem they face correctly, and CICLs can apply what they have
learned in Bahay Pag-Asa’s intervention program. The result also shows how social workers’
attitudes and mindsets affect the CICL’s ability to successfully navigate the difficulties of
dealing with their problems.
A study supports this result, which states that the children experienced several
stressors, particularly about the status of their cases, the situation of their families back home,
their modular learning, and their mutual relationships. Nevertheless, the children employed
active and positive coping mechanisms to alleviate their worries. Specifically, these were
performing productive tasks, engaging in recreational activities, seeking social support, and
spiritual activities (Valera, 2022).
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and developing respect for others. The acquisition of practical skills, such as planting,
cooking, and housework, was highlighted as valuable in their daily lives. Engaging in social
activities, such as learning to play basketball and socializing with others, contributed to their
personal growth and enhanced their ability to socialize effectively.
The respondents also reported specific areas of personal development, including
cultivating patience and temper control, improved discernment in recognizing genuine and
fake individuals, and a focus on self-care and agriculture skills. They emphasized the
significance of these skills and attitudes in leading a positive and productive life outside of
Bahay Pag-Asa.
This result aligns with the findings from various related studies. One study found that
most CICL graduates in Malolos Tanglaw Center and Valenzuela Bahay Pag-Asa considered
the programs “helpful” towards their rehabilitation. The programs implemented in these
centers encompass components such as home life, health care, education, values formation,
recreation and sports, and skills development. These findings support the effectiveness of the
programs in Bahay Pag-Asa in empowering CICL graduates and enhancing their overall well-
being.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, evaluating the holistic intervention programs for Children in conflict
with the Law (CICL) in Bahay Pag-Asa demonstrates their significant impact on personal
development, behavior improvement, and social integration. The intervention programs have
successfully addressed the emotional, social, spiritual, and vocational needs of the CICL. The
findings highlight several key points.
Firstly, the intervention programs have been instrumental in helping CICL develop
their social, emotional, physical, intellectual, and spiritual selves. The programs have
provided opportunities for personal growth, skill acquisition, and improved self-image. CICLs
have become more accountable and responsible through their engagement in household tasks
and active participation in the center. The programs have fostered positive behavior and
attitudes, enabling CICL to reintegrate into society successfully.
Secondly, the intervention programs have effectively addressed the problems
encountered by CICL within the center. Loneliness, anxiety, and social difficulties were
common challenges, but the intervention programs equipped CICL with the necessary tools to
cope and adjust. Establishing a supportive and nurturing environment and the involvement of
social workers and fellow CICLs played a crucial role in facilitating their adaptation and
social engagement.
Thirdly, the study emphasizes the importance of the intervention programs’ holistic
approach, which includes nurturing relationships, mentorship, spirituality, and vocational
skills development. These elements have contributed significantly to the overall
transformation and personal development of the CICL. The programs have empowered them
to make positive choices, build meaningful relationships, and envision a brighter future.
Therefore, intervention programs seek to promote children’s behavior and attitudes in
conflict with the Law (CICL) to foster their development into responsible and productive
individuals. These programs provide opportunities for CICL to acquire social and
occupational skills and improve their self-image through various activities that aid in
developing trust among individuals towards others. Overall, evaluating the holistic
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intervention programs in Bahay Pag-Asa showcases their effectiveness in promoting positive
changes, individual development, and enhanced interpersonal connections among CICL.
These programs play a crucial role in empowering CICL to overcome adversity, reintegrate
into society, and become valuable members of their communities.
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