Social Workers’ Practices in the Reintegration of Children in Conflict with the Law
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53103/cjess.v6i4.547Keywords:
Social Work Practices, Children in Conflict with the Law, Reintegration, Bahay Pag-Asa, Assessment, Coordination, Monitoring, Intervention StrategiesAbstract
This study explored the practices of social workers in the reintegration of children in conflict with the law (CICL) in Bahay Pag-asa, Pagadian City. It aimed to understand how social workers assess, coordinate, monitor, address challenges, and employ intervention strategies in facilitating the return of CICL to their families and communities. The study used a qualitative case study design. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with three social workers and two head supervisors who were directly involved in CICL reintegration. The findings revealed that social workers assessed CICL through screening cases prior to admission, assessing behavioral functioning, assessing family support, and documenting case information. They coordinated reintegration through securing family participation, providing family counseling, conducting case conferences, and coordinating community support. Monitoring was carried out through home-based aftercare monitoring, observing the child’s behavior, and gathering stakeholder feedback. The study also found that social workers encountered lack of family cooperation, lack of behavioral consistency, and lack of consistent local support. To address these challenges, they used counseling-based, education-based, and referral-based interventions. The study concluded that social workers’ practices show that reintegration involves sustained social work involvement, family and community cooperation, and access to support services that help the child adjust after returning to the community.
Downloads
References
2019 Supreme Court Revised Rule on Children in Conflict with the Law – Supreme Court of the Philippines. (n.d.). https://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/2019-supreme-court-revised-rule-on-children-in-conflict-with-the-law/
Adeoye-Olatunde, O. A., & Olenik, N. L. (2021). Research and scholarly methods: Semi-structured interviews. Journal of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy, 4(10), 1358–1367. https://doi.org/10.1002/jac5.1441
Ahmad, M., & Wilkins, S. (2024). Purposive sampling in qualitative research: a framework for the entire journey. Quality & Quantity, 59(2), 1461–1479. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11135-024-02022-5
Aiyub, A., Yusmanizar, Y., & Sukmarini, A. V. (2025). Navigating social reintegration of children in conflict with law: Postmodern family communication perspective. Bricolage Jurnal Magister Ilmu Komunikasi, 11(1), 123. https://doi.org/10.30813/bricolage.v11i1.6293
Bahay Pag-Asa – Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council. (n.d.). https://www.jjwc.gov.ph/bahay-pag-asa/
Bonett, R., Lloyd, C. D., Stone, A. G., & Ogloff, J. R. P. (2024). Group Conferencing is Associated with Lower Rates of Repeated Recidivism Among Higher-Risk Youth and There are Enhanced Effects Based on Who Attended the Conference. Youth Violence and Juvenile Justice, 23(1), 72–93. https://doi.org/10.1177/15412040241258952
Brocklehurst, H. (2017). Who’s afraid of children? https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315234106
Bronfenbrenner, U. (1979). The ecology of human development : experiments by nature and design. https://doi.org/10.4159/9780674028845
Brown, S., & Perez, O. F. R. (2024). Juvenile Justice-Based Interdisciplinary Collective Care: An Innovative approach. Community Mental Health Journal, 60(6), 1042–1054. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-024-01285-4
Carter, N., Bryant-Lukosius, D., DiCenso, A., Blythe, J., & Neville, A. J. (2014). The use of triangulation in qualitative research. Oncology Nursing Forum, 41(5), 545–547. https://doi.org/10.1188/14.onf.545-547
Creswell, J. W. (2013). Qualitative inquiry & research design: Choosing among five approaches. https://bvbr.bib-bvb.de:443/F?func=service&doc_library=BVB01&local_base=BVB01&doc_number=034728158&sequence=000001&line_number=0001&func_code=DB_RECORDS&service_type=MEDIA
Creswell, J. W., & Poth, C. (2017). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches. http://bvbr.bib-bvb.de:8991/F?func=service&doc_library=BVB01&doc_number=015659534&line_number=0001&func_code=DB_RECORDS&service_type=MEDIA
Department of Social Welfare and Development. (2007). Guidelines for social workers in the handling and treatment of children in conflict with the law (Administrative Order No. 10, series of 2007). https://www.jjwc.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Guidelines-for-Social-Workers-in-the-Handling-and-Treatment-of-Children-in-Conflict-with-the-Law.pdf
Department of Social Welfare and Development. (2015). Guidelines on the operation of Bahay Pag-Asa (Memorandum Circular No. 18, series of 2015). https://dswd.gov.ph/issuances/MCs/MC_2015-018.pdf
Donato, L. (2025). Navigating parental involvement: social workers’ experiences in the rehabilitation of children in conflict with the law (CICL). Cogent Social Sciences, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/23311886.2025.2473649
Examining lives in context: Perspectives on the ecology of human development. (1995). In American Psychological Association eBooks. https://doi.org/10.1037/10176-000
Ferolino, A. J., & Yap, R. J. C. (2022). A narrative evaluation of a faith-based aftercare program for youth involved in the juvenile justice system. Archive for the Psychology of Religion, 45(1), 37–60. https://doi.org/10.1177/00846724221133452
Gonzales, I. T., Gonzales, R. U., Capoy, P. S., Osop, A. D., & Bustamante-Paster, A. (2023). Evaluation and enhancement of existing intervention programs for juvenile delinquency. Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research). https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7588380
Greene, R. R. (2017). Ecological Perspective: An Eclectic Theoretical Framework for Social Work Practice. In Human Behavior Theory and Social Work Practice (pp. 257–285). https://doi.org/10.4324/9781351310369-8
Guillermo, G. L. C. (n.d.). Factors and meaning of successful reintegration for children in conflict with the law. Animo Repository. https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_masteral/7111
Hepworth, D. H., & Larsen, J. A. (1982). Direct Social Work Practice: theory and skills. http://bvbr.bib-bvb.de:8991/F?func=service&doc_library=BVB01&local_base=BVB01&doc_number=025166842&sequence=000002&line_number=0001&func_code=DB_RECORDS&service_type=MEDIA
Jacinto, L. A., Reyes, J. B., & De Guzman, F. T. (2024). Life of social workers: Characterizing their experiences and challenges in handling children in conflict with the law. Philippine Journal of Social Services, 9(1), 45-61.
Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council. (2017). Comprehensive national juvenile intervention program 2018-2022. https://www.jjwc.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/CNJIP-2018-2022.pdf
Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council. (n.d.). Bahay Pag-Asa. Retrieved May 4, 2026, from https://www.jjwc.gov.ph/bahay-pag-asa/
Juvenile proportion of arrests by offense, 2020 | Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. (n.d.). Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/statistical-briefing-book/crime/faqs/qa05102
Kubek, J. B., Tindall-Biggins, C., Reed, K., Carr, L. E., & Fenning, P. A. (2020). A systematic literature review of school reentry practices among youth impacted by juvenile justice. Children and Youth Services Review, 110, 104773. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2020.104773
Lim, L. J., & Lamberte, H. C. (2025). Barangay-Led Interventions for CICL: Current practice and ways moving forward. Asean Social Work Journal. https://doi.org/10.58671/aswj.v13i2.131
Macaraeg, P. (2019, January 29). Children Crime Statistics Philippines. Esquire Philippines. https://www.esquiremag.ph/politics/news/children-crime-statistics-philippines-a00287-20190129?s=tjfjg5v3folgs0p1u9f6stodtm
Merriam, S. B., & Tisdell, E. J. (2016). Qualitative research: A guide to design and implementation (4th ed.). Jossey-Bass.
Moore, K., Ahern, E., Daly, E. O., Houghton, S., McAuliffe, H., & Rogers, E. (2025). Youth Justice Services: Relationships, Rehabilitation and The Reality Of The Young People Involved—A Meta-synthesis of the Qualitative Literature. Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review, 28(3), 631–649. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10567-025-00534-6
National Association of Social Workers. (2013). NASW standards for social work case management. https://www.socialworkers.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=acrzqmEfhlo%3D&portalid=0
Nelson, V., Wood, J., Belenko, S., Pankow, J., & Piper, K. (2024). Conditions of successful treatment referral practices with justice-involved youth: Qualitative insights from probation and service provider staff involved in JJ-TRIALS. Journal of Substance Use and Addiction Treatment, 162, 209358. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.josat.2024.209358
Newfoundland and Labrador College of Social Workers. (2023). Social work recording: Explanatory document. https://nlcsw.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/social-work-recording-explanatory-document.pdf
Noorman, M., & Brancale, J. M. (2025). Individual and institutional facilitators and barriers to reentry among detained and committed youth in Florida. Social Sciences, 14(4), Article 222. https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14040222
Nova Scotia College of Social Workers. (2023). Social work documentation guidelines. https://nscsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/NSCSW-Documentation-Guidelines-2023.pdf
Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. (2018). Family engagement in juvenile justice. https://www.ojjdp.ojp.gov/model-programs-guide/literature-reviews/family_engagement_in_juvenile_justice.pdf
Oppus, A. M. D., & Trabajo, F. M. C. (2019). The Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006: Does it rehabilitate? ACADEME University of Bohol Graduate School and Professional Studies, 14(1), 58–80. https://doi.org/10.15631/aubgsps.v14i1.140
Patalinghug, M. E. (2021). The Life Changer: Social Workers in Rehabilitation Facilities for Child in Conflict with the Law. Otoritas Jurnal Ilmu Pemerintahan, 11(1), 33–44. https://doi.org/10.26618/ojip.v11i1.5072
Paul, B., & Paul, V. (2020). Factors of reintegration of children in conflict with law. Journal of Dharma, 45(1), 105-124.
Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism. (2022, January 31). What is a child in conflict with the law (CICL)? https://pcij.org/2022/01/31/child-in-conflict-with-the-law/
Philippine Information Agency. (2023, January 31). Bahay Pag-asa: A haven of second chances for child offenders. https://mirror.pia.gov.ph/features/2023/01/31/bahay-pag-asa-a-haven-of-second-chances-for-child-offenders
Philippine National Police. (2016). Manual in handling cases of children at risk and children in conflict with the law. https://www.jjwc.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/PNP-Manual-in-Handling-Cases-of-CAR-and-CICL.pdf
Piper, K. N., Jahn, A., Escoffery, C., Woods-Jaeger, B., Nunn, A., Schwartz, D. P., Smith-Curry, C., & Sales, J. (2024). A mixed methods evaluation of family-driven care implementation in juvenile justice agencies in Georgia. Health & Justice, 12(1), 8. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40352-024-00261-0
R.A. 9344. (n.d.). https://lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2006/ra_9344_2006.html
Reentry | Youth.gov. (n.d.). https://youth.gov/youth-topics/juvenile-justice/reentry
Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth (RRCY) | DSWD Field Office CAR official website. (n.d.). https://car.dswd.gov.ph/programs-services/centers-institutions/regional-rehabilitation-center-for-youth/
Rendaje, M. O. a. Ñ. O., Rendaje, L. V., Jr, Cariño, C. F., Pua, R. R., Salas, A. C., Jr, & Villa, E. B. (2024). Factors Affecting the Children in Conflict with The Law in Soccsksargen, Philippines. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Applied Business and Education Research, 5(8), 3231–3246. https://doi.org/10.11594/ijmaber.05.08.24
Republic Act No. 4373. (n.d.). https://lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra1965/ra_4373_1965.html
Republic Act No. 10630. (n.d.). https://lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2013/ra_10630_2013.html
Roche, S., & Flynn, C. (2021). Local child protection in the Philippines: A case study of actors, processes and key risks for children. Asia & the Pacific Policy Studies, 8(3), 367–383. https://doi.org/10.1002/app5.332
Rosa, E. M., & Tudge, J. (2013). Urie Bronfenbrenner’s Theory of Human Development: Its Evolution From Ecology to Bioecology. Journal of Family Theory & Review, 5(4), 243–258. https://doi.org/10.1111/jftr.12022
Ruslin, R., Mashuri, S., Rasak, M. S. A., Alhabsyi, F., & Syam, H. (2022). Semi-Structured Interview: A Methodological Reflection on the Development of a Qualitative Research Instrument in Educational Studies. IOSR Journal of Research & Method in Education (IOSR-JRME), 12, 22-29.
SC Sets Guidelines in Determining Discernment in Crimes Involving Children in Conflict with the Law – Supreme Court of the Philippines. (n.d.-b). https://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/sc-sets-guidelines-in-determining-discernment-in-crimes-involving-children-in-conflict-with-the-law/
Selimi, R., Roest, J., Stams, G. J., Hoebrechts, T., Van De Graaf, E., Janssen, S., Snijder, M., Llullaku, N., Van Der Helm, P., Staaks, J., Koning, N., & Assink, M. (2025). Wiping the slate clean: A meta-analysis of post-detention aftercare programs for young offenders. Clinical Psychology Review, 121, 102640. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2025.102640
Solmayor, J., & Embornas, A. (2024b). Lived Experience of Reformed Children in Conflict with the Law. Journal of Interdisciplinary Perspectives, 2(9). https://doi.org/10.69569/jip.2024.0301
Suerte, K. C. M., Tigoy, R. I. P., Zulita, A. G., Valmorida, F. M. S., Ferrater, R. R. J., Salvacion, R. R., & Aspacio, D. C. (2023). Describing the Practices of Social Workers in Handling Children in Conflict with the Law. Canadian Journal of Educational and Social Studies, 3(4). https://doi.org/10.53103/cjess.v3i4.169
Tudge, J. R. H., Mokrova, I., Hatfield, B. E., & Karnik, R. B. (2009). Uses and misuses of Bronfenbrenner’s Bioecological Theory of Human Development. Journal of Family Theory & Review, 1(4), 198–210. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1756-2589.2009.00026.x
Ungar, M. (2002). A deeper, more social ecological social work practice. Social Service Review, 76(3), 480–497. https://doi.org/10.1086/341185
United Nations Children’s Fund Philippines. (2014). Evaluation of the intervention and rehabilitation program in residential facilities and diversion programs for children in conflict with the law. UNICEF. https://www.unicef.org/philippines/reports/evaluation-cicl
Urbano, S. W., Arcangel, J. C., Cordosoc, T. M. M., Gonzales, C. F., Pascua, A. T., Cabantac, M., Quilang, J. A., & Lagasca-Hiloma, C. M. (2023). Assessing the Impact of Holistic Intervention Program for Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL) After Rehabilitation in Bahay Pag-Asa in Cauayan City, Isabela. Sprin Journal of Arts Humanities and Social Sciences, 2(12), 24–36. https://doi.org/10.55559/sjahss.v2i12.188
Wasserman, G. A., Elkington, K. S., Robson, G., & Taxman, F. (2021). Bridging juvenile justice and behavioral health systems: development of a clinical pathways approach to connect youth at risk for suicidal behavior to care. Health & Justice, 9(1), 36. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40352-021-00164-4
Yazid, M. H. (2023). Anxiety Description of Social Workers in Assisting Children in Conflict with the Law. Journal of Computer Science Advancements, 1(4), 242–250. https://doi.org/10.70177/jsca.v1i4.606
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Shaniah Love O Etable, Geoarn Serios, Jefferson M Fernandez, Jennifer Pola-os, Genesis B Naparan, Daisy R Catubig, Remy Richie Jadman-Ferrater, Alfer Jann Tantog
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
All articles published by CJESS are licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. This license permits third parties to copy, redistribute, remix, transform and build upon the original work provided that the original work and source is appropriately cited.
