Situational Analysis on Residents of MIMAROPA Youth Center: A Basis for Program Proposal

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Introduction
In many places around the globe, the discussion of juvenile justice has always been controversial, a sensitive issue that causes debates among people in each society.Much more is the ongoing stigma on children who committed crimes.In the manner of these events, world leaders have come together to formulate certain guidelines and rules for handling children in conflict of law.International laws have become the basis for many countries and provide them with a comprehensive framework for dealing with these juveniles.
Paragraph 1.4 of the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Administration of Juvenile Justice, popularly known as the Beijing Rules, adopted in 1985 explained that the implementation of restorative justice for children committing crimes is a need for every country.The task is on the government to ensure that these guidelines resolve the stigmatization and raise the morale of the children through the government's programs to restore them.
Additionally, Beijing Rules Paragraph 1.3 underlined the necessity for public education regarding the significance of juvenile justice as well as the fact that developing programs related to this is not solely the government's obligation.The partnership and linkages with other social institutions and non-government organizations are also important in meeting the purpose of restorative justice for CICL.
International guidelines, rules, and systems have set forth the foundation of what juvenile justice should be.First, it must be established that every nation has a comprehensive framework for dealing with CICLs.Second, the educational institutions and social organizations' involvement in decreasing the number of CICLs.Lastly, the importance of restorative justice and developmental programs for CICLs in rehabilitation facilities as it helps them to integrate themselves into society after juvenile justice programs.
In the Philippines, the comprehensive juvenile justice system has been institutionalized by the Republic Act 9344 or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006.The law emphasizes rehabilitation and reintegration while providing significant provisions in providing necessary and applicable treatments concerning CICLs' gender, care and maintenance, communitybased programs, and after-care support services.
UNICEF Philippines published an article in 2019 citing a successful story of the juvenile justice and welfare system through proper implementation of the law.Similarly, the Situational Analysis on Children in Detention Facilities in the Philippines, a study by the JJWC in 2020 reiterates that CICLs agreed that the programs and services of these institutions were beneficial to them.However, there was lacking quality and adequate health services and constant psychological interventions such as counseling.
In Region IV-MIMAROPA, according to Philippine National Police-Police Regional Office MIMAROPA, there were a total of 1,473 listed cases of CICLs from 2015-2022.As of November 2022, a total of 435 youth-related crimes in Oriental Mindoro were committed in the same period.As of November 2022, 41 cases were reported in the same province.
One real problem that these children have is the lack of understanding and support for juvenile justice and these factors affect how this system would work properly hence, Children are facing stigma.Hence, this study aimed to analyze the situation and experiences of residents in MIMAROPA Youth Center in Oriental Mindoro.While it can be noticed that this juvenile justice and welfare system works, a comprehensive analysis on profile of the MYC residents, the status and effects of the programs, services and facilities inside MYC are needed to be revealed to provide significant findings that would help in crafting necessary interventions and policies.

Material and Methods
To investigate the lived experiences of the research subjects who were the focus of this study, a qualitative technique using phenomenological design was adopted.This allowed the study to further investigate people's experiences and provide a basis for structural analysis.
The phenomenological approach is applicable in the study to have a clear insight into these phenomena, (Bliss, 2016).The study area was the only Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth in Region IV-MIMAROPA, MIMAROPA Youth Center (MYC), located in Barangay Poblacion, Bansud, Oriental Mindoro.
The participants of this study are the residents of the Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth in Region IV-MIMAROPA Youth Center (MYC).The study selected the participants purposively.The study also selected informants from MYC staff and employees.
To gather data, this study used a triangulation method.This includes observations, interviews, and document analysis.The study used a semi-structured key informant interview to interview participants and a guide questionnaire to cover the research topic, and conducted a non-participant observation to understand the residents of MYC.This study collected data from secondary sources to confirm, verify, and support the data collected.
Moreover, this study also used photovoice-a progressive presentation mode that uses photography to help participants explain their experiences inside the MYC.However, this study does not use a photovoice that is accompanied by audio recordings, citation of interviews was used instead to protect the confidentiality of the selected study participants.Furthermore, the study used interviews with the staff, for the purpose of collecting more data about the residents.The study did not exercise the use of photovoice on the staff.This study used thematic coding analysis to interpret data gathered from study participants and information.Through interviews and transcribed first-hand information, the study formulated common themes that were the focus of the discussion of key findings.To analyze an observation, the study applied thick descriptions and SQC (set-up, quote, and comment).This was also applied to data gathered from photovoice, documents, and interviews.
This study also followed the guidelines provided by the DSWD and MYC.Guidelines provided by MinSU and DSWD-MYC were always taken into consideration, and no information was attributed to the name of MYC residents and staff.Data collected was only accessible for this study, and participants were informed and voluntarily participated in the study.Voluntary participation was observed and asked for consent from the participants, and respect for participants' time and schedule was observed.All information gathered was kept confidential and did not affect their stay in the MYC.

Profile of the Study Participants
This study composed of residents of MIMAROPA Youth Center who were purposely selected by the length of their residency criterion.The study participants stayed six (6) months and above in MYC.The participants of the study are comprised of residents with suspended sentence and undergoing a disposition program likewise residents undergoing trial were also participants.

Basic needs and Home-life approach for developing a child's personality
The approach of having a home-like setup as well as the provision of basic needs do positively affect residents in MYC.In the process of rehabilitation, it is necessary to allow these children to grow in an environment that is suitable for their development.

A gas stove
In the process of rehabilitation of residents in MYC and centers alike, provision of basic needs and the experience of home-like set-up is important.As Participant 5 said when asked on how will he describe his situation inside through a picture, "Dahil sa labas, may magulang ka, 'di mo maiisip magluto, dito ay matuto ka kung paano magluto at kung paano mag serve sa ibang tao ng masarap na pagkain."These children must experience the regular set-up of living and should not be alienated from society, Foronda (2014).Participant 4 added "Sa damit, ayos naman, sa pagkain, ayos naman," Providing basic needs is essential for CICLs to avoid further alienation, as supported by Procedural Justice Theory, (1988).Participant 3 also added "kadalasan sa labas wala pa sila makain, wala pa silang damit, dito… nadadamitan sila kaya bilang pasasalamat namin, nagbabait, sinusuklian na lang sa ganoong pamamaraan." Handling residents in a home-like setting is necessary for their development, as they did not grow up in an environment conducive to normal child development, Rodriguez (2014).

Social Aspect and Social Services as a support mechanism
Social aspect development is essential for rehabilitation and reintegration, as understanding the situation of children is essential for achieving this purpose.Provision of social services are made accessible to residents of MYC which includes support mechanisms such as counseling and group, individual, and or family sessions.
Participant 1 described a dysfunctional water pump saying "Nag-iisang bagay, kailangan niya ng tao para maayos siya.Katulad ng mga residente, sira 'yung pagkatao na kailangan ng ibang tao na magkukumpuni para maayos."By provision of social services, it addresses the needs of a child for support and to improve his social aspect and overall wellbeing through proper case management, Mushkudiani (2020).

An unused water pump
In addition, Participant 3 said "Mabuti po na nakikisama sa kapwa resident… tulong sa akin para sa isip ko."As explained by Interaction Ritual Theory, Collins ( 2004), having participants be physically together with a "shared purpose and mood" resulted in feelings of goodwill.
The provision of these activities to improve the social aspect of a child such as group counseling do have a long-term impact on them, thus improving their individual confidence.This is in contrast to one of the leading causes of juvenile delinquency which is trauma, Business Mirror, (2022).Child support is important their growth and development likewise, it is much important to CICLs thus, the implementation of proper case management as well as having partners to support CICLs are helpful.

Psychology as the core of behavioral change of CICLs
MYC residents are receiving psychological services and medical attention, which are important for them as they feel cared for and helped to be both mentally and physically healthy.
MYC provides psychological services for residents, such as activities and therapy, which are important for child's rehabilitation.Participant 2 described the picture of a cat as "Kasi 'yung pusa, inaalagaan ng maigi, at pinapakain ng maayos ang pusa gaya ng pag-aalaga." Psychological services that are beneficial to resident's mental health are effective in preventing recidivism.Participant 3 said "Sobrang halaga dahil po yung mga sinasabi naman po nila ay para din po sa amin para ma apply din po namin sa sarili namin hanggang sa paglabas magrereflect po sa amin yun."These services help to reflect on the person's mental health, Penner, et.al., (2011).Similarly, the provision of other health services such as dental is implemented by the MYC.According to Participant 3 "masaya po dahil di po naming ine expect na meton po num dito … sobrang halaga dahil po yun po naaalagaan kami ng ayos."

A cat
In contrasted the reported violence among young offenders in the United States, Karthikeyan (2023).The lack of focus on mental health of young offenders affect their behavior inside rehabilitation centers leading to some children committing riots.In MYC, although there are psychological services being offered, it is currently limited as psychologists are Manila-based.

Education for an effective reintegration
The provision of educational services to residents of residential facilities such as the MYC has helped them to improve their knowledge and have a positive outlook on themselves.
Moreover, the MYC provides educational services to allow children to pursue their dreams.They have partnered with outside schools, Participant 1, "Grade 7 ako bago pumasok dito tapos Grade 12 na ngayon.Modular tas nag ALS… naka-graduate ako sa Pag-asa (NHS)," The use of surrounding schools prevents further alienation.

Learning session
Furthermore, education programs have allowed children to assess themselves and have a positive outlook on their personalities and change their behavior, allowing them to attend school while in rehabilitation facilities.This has had an impact on their behavior, as Participant 1 stated, "pag nag-aaral ako dito pag labas ko din naman makikinabang dun e.".The growth of residents' well-being and rehabilitation, as well as for preventing recidivism, are contingent on their capacity to continue their education (Young et.al., 2017).

Skills development and livelihood activities for reintegration
Programs such as livelihood training and skills development have a positive impact on residents' capability and character development, leading to positive aspirations for life outside MYC.

A turmeric product
Moreover, Participant 2 explained that these activities not only help them develop their skills, but also their character, describing the picture below "tinuturuan kami gumawa nito [turmeric] para 'pag sakali na nakalabas na kami, matututo kami mag-negosyo at para umayos ang buhay," The concept of restorative justice emphasizes the importance of reintegration, which allows children to go outside the four walls of a rehabilitation center and come out bearing a better identity.The MYC implements this policy by allowing and inviting experts in vocational skills to conduct activities to hone the talents of the child.This will help residents have enough knowledge and improve their practical skills, United Nations Development Programme, (2020)."Sobrang halaga kasi paglabas pwedeng gawin sa labas, pwedeng gawing negosyo, pwedeng itulong sa iba," Participant 5 described this situation.

Integration of Recreational and Sports Services as a solution for boredom, stress, and anxiety of CICLs
The provision and conduct of activities highlighting sports have positively impacted the physical fitness of residents, as well as their mental and interpersonal condition.The process of restorative justice focuses on how society will accept these children, and developing their overall personality is necessary for their reintegration.

Development and Cultural Services for CICL's positive outlook
The implementation and conduct of services that develop the talents of these children and allow them to recognize the cultural values in the Philippines has resulted in a positive impact on their personality, self-confidence and self-esteem, and interpersonal relationship with other residents and staff.This helps in avoiding recidivism.

A percussion
In addition, CICL in residential care facilities such as MYC undergo a lifestyle change, both personal and interpersonal, and are taught to develop their natural talents and cultural heritages to help them understand their society.Participant 3 describe the picture of percussion as "Kasi ito 'yung pangtanggal ng stress ko at nahuhubog talent [ko]."Understandingcultural practices is essential for reintegration into society.
Participant 2 noted that these activities help residents engage themselves with one another, with staff, and other persons such as court personnel, and improve their social aspect and communication, saying "masaya kasi pag ano ginagawa mo yun tas may mga nakikita mo yung mga nanunuod sayo ayun nakangiti ayun nakakagana gawin yung bagay," Mossman Support Services (2017).

Spiritual enchancement as an approach for self-development
The provision of spiritual services to MYC residents helps them cope with problems and develop their character, as Participant 4 described the photo "Gaya ng bato, dinala kami dito na mahina ang loob, natatakot, [at] nangungulila sa magulang pero sa tulong ng Panginoong Diyos, tumibay at tumatag katulad ng mga bato."Spiritual activities help residents develop, develop, or change their character, (Kermen, 2018).

Challenges encountered
Residents face different challenges inside rehabilitation centers, such as stress, boredom, and anxiety, but with the management of staff and dedication to rehabilitation, they find ways to resolve them.As Participant 4 describe the tire as "Kapag minsan, ang buhay ay nasa ibabaw, minsan ay nasa itaas, minsan ay nasa ibaba tapos makakahanap ka ng solusyon para umangat [m]uli." Programs and services and active participation of workers in MYC are essential for providing social support to children in coping and managing problems, stress, or boredom, Hapsari, et al. (2016).Participant 5 said "Maayos naman po yung mga staff turing ko ng pamilya at magulang, pati mga kapwa resident." However, the provision and conduct of programs and services to reduce stress and boredom in children is dependent on the availability of personnel and staff which sometimes is lacking, leading to boredom and stress.Participant 2 described programs and services as "sobrang halaga po dahil nakakiwas ng boring sa loob, mas gusto ko pong maramin g activity para po marami kaming matutunan."

Holistic Development
Holistic development is both personal and interpersonal, dependent on the availability of programs and services and how personnel address the social and personal needs of children.
It is a collaboration between the child, the management, and society.Similarly, programs and services offered by MYC are designed to develop children and their overall aspect as youth.Through these services, the child's personality is improved, and they are prepared for reintegration.Participants agreed that the MYC acts as their guidance and contributes to their well-being.
The MYC's approaches to character development are beneficial to the participants, as they can learn positive values in connection with their responsibility and roles as part of the family.In addition, staff must manage residents flexibly by adapting to good practices approach to case management.Adopting a child as a focal point of case management will allow workers to facilitate the relationship between the worker and a child and will gain knowledge on what process is needed to be undertaken and this is relevant to their over-all development as a child, Ravulo (2019).

Self-realization and Improvement
Residents in the MYC have increased their self-confidence by sharing their thoughts on what they could be and attempting to live in a way that benefits the staff.Although there are many ways to define self-improvement, for the purposes of this study, we will focus on how the interventions we made for these children have helped them.

A clean pathway
The study of PAP ( 2017 Furthermore, the purpose of rehabilitation centers such as the MYC is to allow residents to reflect on themselves and encourage them to do better.Braitwaithe (1989) argued that a better way to address juvenile crime is not through stigmatization but through establishing the morale of these children.
Self-realizations and improvement affect positively the thinking of a resident, and programs and services attached to these are a crucial role in reducing recidivism.Participant 2 said that "dinala po dito para magbago para pag labas at least nabago na ang sarili, yung dating ugali mo, di na po." Self-realization of a child is either due to intervention or selfinitiative.A residents' confinement allowed them to further analyze themselves and focus on what could be changed.By means of recognizing these changes, the possibility of recidivism has been reduced, Hubble, et al. (2015).

Behavioral Change
There are changes in the way residents behave inside MYC, which can be observed through both study participants and staff.However, deeper scientific analysis is needed to better understand the behavior.
Furthermore, the inclusion of psychological services in the rehabilitation process of CICLs is an important component as it allows children to better understand themselves and become more socially equipped."Sa patuloy na pag-aalaga ng mga kinauukulan, lumalaki, lumalawak, at tumataas ang mga halaman, kitang kita na natutulungan talaga kaming maging isang mabuting tao," Participant 1 said as he described the photo above.Becoming more sociable can help build self-confidence and reduce recidivism.

A grown plant
Moreover, MYC provides psychological services and activities to help children control their feelings and emotions.It is important to deepen the psychosocial maturity of these children as they transition from childhood to adulthood, as new research shows that there is continued maturation of brain systems that support self-regulation well into the mid-twenties, Steinberg et al. (2015).This study is only able to describe the residents based on interview, observation, and the way they interact with researchers.Participant 5 said "magaan sa pakiramdam, minsan nasasabi mo damdamin… mahalaga kasi madaming natututunan, hindi na madalas pikunin, maiyamutin."The interventions and programs implemented by the MYC have a positive effect on the behavior of the sample participants, allowing them to have more control on their behavior.Participant 2 said "Pinaka natutunan ko siguro ay yung self-control.
Malaki na yung pinagkaiba sa sarili ko dahil sa pag stay ko sa MYC."Additionally, the study participants selected are participative in the discussion, which can be interpreted as building a more psychosocial maturity.However, these interventions need to be analyzed and understood further and deeper through scientific analysis to determine if they are becoming helpful or impede it more, Steinberg et al. (2015).

Positive Outlook towards Reintegration
The core of residential care facilities such as the MYC is both rehabilitation and reintegration, and residents have a similar view of a society that is ready for them as they believe they have changed and become better persons.They are bringing the knowledge, skills, and values they learned inside the facility.Furthermore, restorative justice is a vigorous process that allows offenders to take responsibility for their actions, repair harm, and create a safe community.Reintegration is one of the goals of the comprehensive juvenile justice and welfare system of the Philippines enshrined in RA 9344.The establishment of rehabilitation and residential care facilities such as the MYC is a manifestation of willingness to repair damages, have reconciliation, and allow young offenders to return to society as more productive individuals.Programs and services and necessary interventions are made available to these children as it is deemed to be important in developing the well-being of a child ready for reentry to society.

A coconut tree
Similarly, reintegrative approaches tackle the readiness of a child to reface the society outside.Parrticipant 2 described the picture beside as "Nang dumating ako dito, marami akong mabubuting natutunan, sa mga [mapapakinabangang] serbisyo ng mga kinauukulan tulad ng niyog na napakaraming pakinabang na simula ugat hanggang [mga] sanga ay napapakinabangan."Provisions of programs and services are dual purpose, both development of the child as person himself and his interpersonal aspect.The approach made by the MYC is crucial right from the transition of placing them to the society to having a secure placement, Scottish Government (2011).Reintegration of a child is supported by Procedural Justice Theory, Lind and Tyler (1988).By implementing interventions and the handling of these children, the reduction of recidivism is possible as residents tend to believe in the procedures and to the authorities themselves.

Programs and Services
Social workers are responsible for the case management of a child, which includes preadmission, treatment plan, trial processes, intervention planning, education, health, and other programs and services.They are essential for the development of a child inside the MYC.
To expound, the implementation of services focused on rehabilitation was hindered due to a limited number of staffs, particularly social workers, who were unable to handle residents with pending trials due to their legal coverage being wider than those of suspended sentences.This affected the overall situation of a resident, as personnel lacking results in lack of activity.Respondent said that the ratio of clients to social workers was not ideal, making it difficult to schedule tasks for social workers.As Respondent 5 said "since kulang nga sa social worker or sa ngayon hindi ideal yung ratio ng mga clients kaya madaming mga task ni social worker na talagang instead of na sschedule namin ng maayos hindi na." In terms of basic needs, the residents of the MYC were provided with basic needs, such as balanced meals, cooked for themselves in the kitchen, and clothes from the Central Office.
When it comes to health, residents were provided healthcare services such as laboratory, dental, diagnostic exam, x-ray, abdominal examination, and annual check-ups to maintain a healthy lifestyle.For psychological services, children were administered tests for assessment afterwards provided with sessions and activities.Respondent 3 said, "sa psychological impact nila, napalayo kasi sila sa mga magulang nila na yun naman talaga yung purpose ng center na ihanda sila sa kanilang pag-uwi na mapabalik sila sa pamilya nila at sa community." In contrast, the most important details in this text are that there is only one (1) psychometrician and the job of the psychometrician is limited compared to a psychiatrist or a psychologist.This means that activities under this service would not be properly met due to the lack of manpower.
In terms of recreational services, The MYC offered recreational services such as sports, development, and cultural activities, as well as livelihood activities.Cultural services include honing the special talents of residents such as singing, dancing, instrument playing, etc., which are showcased during talent shows in the presence of the MYC community or court personnel.
These activities are helpful in gaining the child's self-confidence, as the Respondent 4 said "marunong na syang makipag socialize dahil sa mga activities na yun, nagkakaroon sila ng selfconfidence." In addition, the provision of livelihood is beneficial to the children's coping with boredom and teaches them vocational skills and livelihood products.Respondent 2 said gardening is part of their routine "yung gardening naman part na di talaga ng [routine] ng mga bata, para mawala yung inip, kagaya ngayon." Partners are needed to conduct activities for the children.Respondent 2 said "kasi yan sila [mga bata], di dapat sila nagkakaroon ng bakanteng oras e kasi dun sila nakakaisip ng hindi maganda kapag nababakante.Kung ano-ano yung naiisip nila.May mga activities din kami pero di sapat na natutugunan lahat kasi 'pag minsan busy din lahat e."

Center Policy on the Treatment of MYC residents
Every resident inside the MYC is subject to center policies that concern their living.
Communication outside the MYC must be supervised by a social worker, house parent, or guard to avoid unauthorized communication.
Problems concerning the behavior of a resident are first addressed by the house-parent, and if no progress is made, the child needs to be referred to the rehabilitation team.
Respondent said that the social worker must monitor closely the behavior of the residents, as it is important to their case.Respondent 5 explained "so kung hindi kayang e deal ni house parent yung bata, dadalhin sa social worker, pero since hindi kami yung talagang nakakasama nila sa dorm kaya medyo, di naman talaga agad makapag change ng behavior… hindi na namin nakikita yung ginagawa nila so hindi din talaga namin sila ma monitor closely pag kinausap namin." Moreover, the respondent explained that all things owned by a resident are regularly checked and any excess belonging not allowed in the center can be confiscated.They also explained the disciplinary actions that a resident face should they disobey, disrespect, or set aside center policies.These violations can result in demerits and interventions such as counseling and other appropriate intervention.

Physical Structure
The MYC has provided target security personnel to ensure that no unauthorized people enter the compound and no children can leave center premise without permission.House parents are also available to monitor the condition of residents in dormitories.There is no congestion inside dormitories and the overall physical structure is good, with proper ventilation and spaces for physical activities.

Human Resource
This study found that the MYC is understaffed, leading to lack of activities and boredom.This led to residents attempting to disobey the center's policies and committing violations, such as bartering personal things for cigarettes, disobedience, fighting between residents, and escaping the compound.The primary challenge for these children is boredom, stress, and anxiety, so it is necessary to provide continuous programs for them to relax inside.

Issues concerning the handling of residents
RA 10630 amends RA 9344 to provide for the establishment of Bahay Pag-asa, either funded and managed by LGUs or non-government agencies (NGOs).However, in Oriental Mindoro, there are not even one, despite the law requiring LGUs to establish such.As RRCY, MYC has become a facility that caters to CICLs with suspended sentences and those who are waiting for the court decision on their cases, resulting in understaffing having to multi-task and double their responsibilities.

Conclusion and Recommendations
The MYC caters to both children with suspended sentences and those with on-going trials, resulting in understaffing that affects the conduct of activities.Although residents receive adequate services, they still experience boredom and stress due to sometimes limited number of activities.Boredom led to violations of MYC rules and regulations, such as fights, exchange of valuables for cigarettes, and escaping.Staying in MYC, programs and services being offered have positively impacted residents' character development, leading to a positive outlook towards their reintegration.Programs, services, and facilities are adequate, but there is a lack of personnel and staff to oversee rehabilitative activities.Programs and services should be provided regularly to avoid boredom, stress, and anxiety.

Furthermore
, recreational skills such as sports and development has allowed residents to showcase their talents and do physical activities.These activities have helped children cope with stress and boredom, as well as have a positive attitude,Rowles, (2016).Participant 4 explained the photo by saying "Kasi natatanggal 'yung stress [ko], pag-iisip ng negatibo at parang gumagaan loob mo 'pag nagkakaroon ka ng libangan.
) found that children are still underdeveloped and need interventions to help them understand the consequences of their actions.The provisions of programs and services of the MYC are meant to help children understand themselves as they are both an offender and an adolescent.Participant 4 captured a clean pathway inside the compound saying " dati yang malinis na daan sobrang dumi n'yan ngayon malinis 'yan.Habang nandito kami, nalaman namin na mali [dati] hanggang sa natuto kami." Figure 12.