COMMUNITY BASED REHABILITATION PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN IN CONFLICT WITH THE LAW IN BARANGAY COUNCIL FOR PROTECTION OF CHILDREN IN BARANGAY PAYATAS QUEZON CITY

Abstract

The Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) in Barangay Payatas, Quezon City, plays a pivotal role in safeguarding and rehabilitating children in conflict with the law (CICL). This community-based rehabilitation program aims to provide comprehensive support, including counseling, temporary shelter, educational assistance, skills training, and capital assistance, to facilitate the reintegration of these children into society. ​ This descriptive research study aimed to evaluate the community-based rehabilitation program for children in conflict with the law, specifically focusing on the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) in Barangay Payatas, Quezon City. A total of 50 respondents participated, divided into three groups:​  Group 1: 10 children under the care of the BCPC.​ Group 2: 20 barangay personnel.​ Philippine Statistics Authority Group 3: 20 residents of Barangay Payatas.​ Demographic Insights:  Age Distribution: The majority of respondents were aged between 18 to 25 years.​ Gender Distribution: Most respondents were male.​ Residency: A significant portion of respondents reside in Barangay Payatas B.​ Barangay Payatas Demographics:  Barangay Payatas is an urban area in the 2nd district of Quezon City, adjacent to the barangays of Commonwealth, Batasan Hills, and Bagong Silangan. As of the 2020 Census, the population of Payatas was 139,740, with a population density of approximately 18,054 individuals per square kilometer. ​   The barangay has experienced rapid urbanization, leading to a growing population and associated socio-economic challenges. A predominant number of residents live below the poverty line, with many residing in informal settlements and facing harsh living conditions. ​   BCPC Initiatives:  The BCPC in Barangay Payatas actively engages in various programs aimed at protecting and rehabilitating children. For instance, in collaboration with Copylandia, the BCPC conducted a feeding program on November 23, 2024, at Ilang-Ilang St. Additionally, the BCPC has organized workshops to build capacity in addressing child protection issues, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in safeguarding children's rights. ​ ​The study evaluated the community-based rehabilitation program for Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL) administered by the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) in Barangay Payatas, Quezon City. Respondents "strongly agreed" on the program's effectiveness in several key areas:​  Psychological and Social Services: Support addressing mental and social well-being.​ Aftercare Services: Post-rehabilitation support ensuring sustained reintegration.​ Consistency: Reliability and regularity of program implementation.​ Family Programs: Initiatives involving family members in the rehabilitation process.​ However, the study also identified a significant gap in communication regarding the rehabilitation programs, leading to a lack of awareness among minors and their parents. This gap hinders effective participation and support.​  Recommendations:  To enhance the program's impact and community engagement, the following measures are proposed:  Educational Initiatives: Organize seminars and workshops to inform families about the rehabilitation process, emphasizing the importance of their involvement.​ Family Participation: Develop programs that actively involve family members, fostering a supportive environment for CICL.​ Enhanced Communication: Implement regular information dissemination strategies to keep the community informed about available services and program updates.​ These recommendations align with restorative justice principles, aiming to rehabilitate CICL through community and family involvement. Restorative justice emphasizes repairing harm caused by criminal behavior through inclusive processes that engage all affected parties. By addressing communication barriers and promoting active participation, these strategies seek to strengthen the rehabilitation program, ensuring better outcomes for children in conflict with the law in Barangay Payatas.​ To enhance the effectiveness of the community-based rehabilitation program for Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL) in Barangay Payatas, Quezon City, the following recommendations are proposed:​  Strengthen School-Parent Collaboration:  Parental Guidance and Support: Establish regular communication between schools and parents to monitor and support students' behavior and academic progress. This partnership can help identify early signs of delinquent behavior and implement timely interventions.​ Educational Workshops: Organize workshops for parents to equip them with skills to address and prevent potential delinquent behavior, fostering a supportive home environment.​ Implement Crime Prevention Education:  Awareness Campaigns: Develop programs within schools and communities to educate minors and parents about the consequences of criminal activities and the importance of adhering to the law.​ Skill-Building Activities: Offer extracurricular activities that promote positive behavior, decision-making, and conflict resolution skills among youth.​ Develop Support Services:  Counseling and Rehabilitation: Provide accessible counseling services for minors who have violated laws, focusing on rehabilitation and reintegration into society.​ Community Programs: Establish community-based initiatives that offer mentorship, vocational training, and recreational activities to engage youth and reduce the likelihood of reoffending.​ These recommendations align with restorative justice principles, emphasizing community and family involvement in the rehabilitation process. Studies have shown that such approaches are effective in reducing juvenile delinquency and promoting positive youth development. By implementing these measures, Barangay Payatas can create a more supportive environment that addresses the root causes of juvenile delinquency and promotes the well-being and lawful behavior of its youth.​