Management of Youth Care Facility (Bahay Pag-asa) in Cabanatuan City in the Enforcement of R.A. 10630 on Diversion and Intervention Programs for Children in Conflict with the Law

Abstract

This study assessed the management and implementation of diversion and intervention programs at the Youth Care Facility (Bahay Pag-asa) in Cabanatuan City. It employed a quantitative descriptive research design supplemented by documentary analysis. Total enumeration included 24 personnel directly involved in facility operations. A validated structured questionnaire using a four-point Likert-type scale measured planning, actual implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and the management of diversion and intervention programs. Descriptive statistics summarized the assessments, while the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test examined the difference between diversion and intervention management. Planning (M = 3.5792), actual implementation (M = 3.7042), and monitoring and evaluation (M = 3.7750) were rated to a Very Great Extent. Diversion program management (M = 3.6667) and intervention program management (M = 3.8000) were likewise rated to a Very Great Extent. A statistically significant difference was found between diversion and intervention management (W = 17.000, z = -2.994, p = .003, r = .611), with intervention receiving the higher rating. Documentary records showed educational, psychosocial, spiritual, livelihood, recreational, health-related, family, case-management, and reintegration services. Facilitating factors included staff teamwork, institutional support, and family and community participation, while weak family cooperation, behavioral and adjustment challenges, resource constraints, specialist staffing limitations, and operational barriers constrained implementation. The study proposes policy directions emphasizing personnel welfare and professionalization, legal compliance, multidisciplinary governance, child-centered rehabilitation, family involvement and aftercare, holistic development, and continuous monitoring and evaluation.