Advisers

Keint Carlos R. Dela Cruz, MSCJ

Discipline

Criminology

Abstract

Street children in Novaliches Proper, Quezon City are facing a serious social and public health concern drug addiction which requires immediate and comprehensive intervention. In the context of Quezon City, particularly in Novaliches Proper, the increasing number of children living and working on the streets places them at high risk of substance abuse due to poverty, lack of parental guidance, peer influence, and limited access to education and social services. The research used a qualitative method of data collection through interviews with social workers, local officials, and rehabilitation volunteers. Based on the analysis of their insights and experiences, the findings reveal that the most effective approach is a holistic intervention that integrates prevention, rehabilitation, and reintegration into the community. A single program is not sufficient; rather, coordinated and continuous services are necessary to ensure that children do not return to street life or substance use. Two-Way ANOVA analysis analyzing perceptions of addressing drug addiction among street children in Novaliches Proper, Quezon City. The "Columns" variable is not significant (p=0.21). However, the "Interaction" effect is highly significant (p=0.00), suggesting a strong relationship between the variables. The "Within" group variance is also significant (p=0.05). These results indicate that the interaction between factors plays a crucial role in explaining the variance in the data, while the individual "Columns" factor does not have a significant effect on its own. The research highlights that empathy-driven, education-based, and empowerment-focused initiatives are essential in breaking the cycle of drug addiction and street life. For long-term success in rehabilitating street children in Novaliches Proper, it is crucial to reinforce partnerships between the local government and social service institutions in order to establish a more inclusive and sustainable rehabilitation system.

Keywords

drug addiction among street children