kaban galing - front cover - galing pook

Sociologists, Not Jailers
Beyond detention the Molave Youth Home seeks to provide youth
detainees with a “second home” atmosphere to help them regain their
self-respect and sense of self-worth while safeguarding their rights as
human beings. Instead of jailers, social workers take the lead in case
management. The city considers it a social service institution rather than
a criminal detention facility, dealing not only with the youth offenders but
also with the parents of the youth in custody.
Mindful of the role played by the breakdown of traditional support
groups like the family, Molave Youth Home encourages the participation
and commitment of parents through programs like Parent Effectiveness
Seminars. This program is aimed at improving interpersonal relations
within the family while emphasizing parental responsibility in providing
primary guidance and care for their children. Addressing emotional,
psychological and spiritual needs of children is also stressed.
Molave Youth Home has adopted the “Therapeutic Community
Modality” in rehabilitating minors. This modality is designed to help
individuals and groups channel their energies towards more constructive
and productive avenues through self-help and peer group dynamics.
Inside the Molave Youth Home, residents themselves do the planning
and implementation of their daily activities with the close monitoring
and supervision of the staff. Minors learn the value of responsibility, trust,
respect, honesty, cooperation, participation and commitment.
The facility’s youth residents are also encouraged to raise their issues
and concerns. They themselves work out these issues in the daily morning
meetings which they attend alongside social workers, BJMP personnel
and other concerned staff.
Assigned the lead role in the rehabilitation program, social workers
do the necessary coordination of the collaboration among various
disciplines and sectors. This ensures that all efforts are geared towards
ensuring the young persons’ welfare and effective social functioning.
Civil Society Weighs In
Community participation is a key feature in the implementation of the
facility’s program. While run and funded primarily by the city government,
the Molave Youth Home receives support and assistance from
government, non-government organizations and socio-civic groups.
Several community based organizations are actively involved.
A Sturdy Program, Like the Molave 109