FOLLOW-UP AND REINTEGRATION OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH: LESSONS LEARNED FROM SOCIAL WORKERS IN THE INDIVIDUAL ROUTING COUNSELOR (IRC)

Abstract

This was a qualitative study conducted to obtain lessons learned from the post-release follow-up of children and youth through the perspectives of social workers serving as Individual Routing Counselors (IRC). Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 24 social workers working as IRCs under the Department of Juvenile Observation and Protection. The interviews were conducted in accordance with research ethics involving human participants, and data triangulation was employed.

The findings revealed that (1) post-release follow-up of children and youth is a vulnerable period requiring close supervision to support their life trajectories during reintegration; (2) in-depth skills, namely observation, analysis, contextual assessment, and negotiation, are essential for building trust and developing life plans; (3) social workers’ adaptation to their role as a bridge between families, communities, and agencies is crucial; and (4) a common problem is the lack of honesty and trust among children and youth during follow-up, which leads to limited assistance and an increased risk of repeated misbehavior.

These findings can be employed as guidelines for designing a model for monitoring, rehabilitation, and social reintegration that emphasizes dignity and sustainability through integrated collaboration with families, communities, and agencies, as well as fostering openness among children and ensuring close monitoring.