FACTORS RELATED TO THE ROLE, PROBLEMS, AND OBSTACLES OF SOCIAL WORKERS IN IMPLEMENTING THE STRONG FAMILY PROJECT IN JUVENILE OBSERVATION AND PROTECTION CENTERS WITH INITIAL RECEPTION FACILITIES NATIONWIDE

Abstract

The objectives of the current research were to examine the roles, problems, and obstacles encountered by social workers in implementing the Strong Family Project in Juvenile Observation and Protection Centers with Initial Reception Facilities Nationwide, including analyze the correlation between personal factors and these dimensions. The quantitative study employed purposive sampling, collecting data from 205 participants involved in project implementation, including social workers, administrators, and related personnel from 38 centers across 39 units. Data were gathered using a developed questionnaire particularly for the current study. Descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics using the chi-square test were applied to investigate their correlation. The research findings were indicated that social workers played the most significant role in implementing the Strong Family Project which reflected an efficient performance. Their roles were particularly prominent in building rapport, creating a safe and accepting environment, including activating positive experience among families of juvenile offenders. However, the implementation has faced several challenges, including the complexity arising from cultural diversity among families of juvenile who were processed into the justice system, communication barriers, and difficulties in establishing shared understanding with service recipients. The study was further found that personal factors, in the aspect of age, length of professional experience, and participation in Strengthening Families Program training were significantly associated with the roles, problems and obstacles.  The research recommendations were focused on specialized skill development, the allocation of sufficient resources as well as the defining of supportive policies from the Department of Juvenile Observation and Protection to elevate the project’s efficiency and sustainability.