Bridging Policy and Practice: Lived Experiences of Key Implementers in the Juvenile Diversion Program

Abstract

This study explored the lived experiences of key implementers in barangay-level diversion activities for Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL) in Baybay City, Leyte. Guided by Republic Act No. 9344, or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006, it examined the challenges encountered, coping strategies employed, and perceived effectiveness of diversion implementation as a basis for a proposed strengthening program. A qualitative phenomenological design was employed, involving 19 purposively selected implementers comprising eight Barangay Captains, eight Barangay Kagawads, and three City Social Welfare and Development personnel. Data were gathered through in-depth semi-structured interviews and analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s Thematic Analysis, with triangulation used to validate the findings. Results showed that diversion was experienced as a community-based rehabilitative process involving counseling, community service, values formation, and skills training. Key challenges included inconsistent participation, limited parental involvement, monitoring and workload demands, and emotional pressures. Implementers addressed these through stakeholder coordination, parental engagement, continuous monitoring, counseling, and professional commitment. Diversion activities were generally perceived as effective in promoting accountability, behavioral improvement, educational reintegration, and positive social adjustment, with counseling emerging as the most influential component. The study concludes that effective barangay-level diversion requires sustained counseling, family and community participation, continuous monitoring, and coordinated stakeholder support to promote the rehabilitation and reintegration of CICL.