Strengthening Child Protection at the Grassroots: Assessing the Compliance of Barangay Councils for the Protection of Children in Managing Children at Risk

Youth is considered a source of hope and an instrument of change, and it is important to protect the future, starting at the grassroots level. For this reason, this study assessed the compliance of the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) with the Barangay Protocol in selected barangays of Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya, specifically the process of implementing the Barangay Protocol to address cases involving children at risk, and identified the issues and strategies involved in dealing with these cases. To gather more accurate data, triangulation was utilized through surveys, semi-structured interviews, and document review. The study found that perceived compliance with procedures related to children, including custody, intake, and post-intervention follow-up, was high. However, moderate compliance concerning documentation and procedural requirements was observed, including form completion and record submission, revealing implementation gaps. Statistical analysis indicates that compliance with Barangay protocol relies more on practical experience, role responsibilities, and access to training than on formal education and years of service. Major challenges identified from the qualitative insights gathered include insufficient training, limited resources, insufficient parental cooperation, inactive council, and improper case reporting. Thus, the study underscores the need for strengthened institutional support, adequate funding, and continuous capacity-building initiatives to enhance effective protocol implementation. In response to the study's findings, a seminar on strengthening BCPC Capacity in Managing CAR cases is proposed as a research-based intervention to improve the council's competence and confidence in managing CAR cases.

Community-based program, Restorative Justice, Protection of Children, Youth Development

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