Advisers

Jomar R. Fernandez

Discipline

Criminology

Abstract

Juvenile delinquency remains a major social issue influenced by factors such as family conflict, peer pressure, poverty, and limited education, which increase youths’ involvement in crime. Counseling programs play a vital role in rehabilitating juvenile offenders by promoting emotional stability, social skills, and positive behavior through individual and group interventions. However, their effectiveness is often affected by challenges like limited resources, inadequate staffing, and weak family support. In San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, assessing the implementation of these programs is essential to identify strengths and gaps. This study therefore evaluates the level of implementation of counseling services to help improve rehabilitation outcomes. This study employed a descriptive quantitative research design to assess the implementation of counseling programs for juvenile offenders. It involved 50 respondents from San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, including social workers, barangay officials, PNP personnel, and community residents, selected through stratified sampling. Data were gathered using a validated researcher-made questionnaire covering respondents’ profiles, level of program implementation, and challenges encountered. The study used frequency, percentage, and weighted mean for analysis, with a four-point Likert scale to measure implementation levels. An F-test was also applied to identify significant differences in responses. The findings show that most respondents were young (below 25 years old), predominantly male, and at the college level, indicating a youthful and relatively educated group. All counseling program components were rated as “Fully Implemented,” with group counseling having the highest effectiveness, followed by individual counseling and personnel resources, while facilities showed slight room for improvement. Significant differences were observed in group counseling, personnel resources, and facilities, whereas individual counseling remained consistent across respondents. The findings show that counseling programs for juvenile offenders in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan are generally well-implemented and effective in addressing their emotional, behavioral, and social needs. Group counseling stands out for promoting interpersonal skills and behavioral reflection, while individual counseling ensures consistent and personalized support for self-awareness and decision-making. outcomes.

Keywords

juvenile delinquency, counseling programs, juvenile offenders, program implementation, individual counseling, group counseling, personnel resources, counseling facilities, rehabilitation, des