Title

NAVIGATING CHALLENGES AND COPING STRATEGIES:
THE EXPERIENCES OF HOUSE PARENTS IN YOUTH REHABILITATION AT PAG-ASA

Author(s)

QUINTILA, MICHAEL JOHN O.

DAYOC, KEENYDHAN A.

BALAIS JR., FELIX B.

LAGARE, ALVIN B.

Affiliation

MISAMIS UNIVERSITY

Degree Program

Bachelor of Science In Criminology

Contributor

GUPIT, ELMA FE E. - ADVISER

LAGATA, LOVE S. - PANEL MEMBER

ALVARICO, ANGELITA B. - PANEL MEMBER

CUEVAS, JOSE JR. F. - CHAIRMAN

ORONG, MARKDY Y. - INSTRUCTOR

Year

2026

Abstract

Youth rehabilitation programs play a critical role in supporting children in conflict with the law through age-appropriate and restorative interventions. However, while these programs focus primarily on the youth, the lived experiences of house parents who provide daily care, supervision, and emotional guidance remain underexplored. This study aimed to examine the challenges encountered by house parents and the coping strategies they employ at Bahay Pag-asa in Ozamiz City. Using a qualitative phenomenological design, in-depth interviews were conducted with nine (9) house parents, and data were analyzed using Moustakas’ systematic phenomenological reduction method. Findings revealed that house parents face interconnected challenges, including managing difficult and resistant youth behaviors, limited resources and facilities, and significant emotional and psychological stress. Despite these challenges, they demonstrated resilience by employing coping strategies such as emotional self-regulation, faith-based practices, peer support, and balancing discipline with compassion. Overall, the findings indicate that effective youth rehabilitation is not solely dependent on structured programs and rules but is strongly influenced by the emotional stability, coping capacity, and well-being of house parents, as well as the level of institutional support provided to them. The study recommends strengthened institutional support through continuous capacity-building, trauma-informed care training, and improved resource allocation. Supporting house parents enhances caregiving quality, promotes a stable and nurturing rehabilitation environment, and contributes to improved outcomes for Children in Conflict with the Law and Children at Risk.

Keywords

bahay pag-asa, caregiver, coping mechanisms, juvenile, rehabilitation.