Volunteer Probation Assistant System: The Case Of Ilocos Norte

Abstract

Previous studies pointed out the decline of volunteers in probation supervision and with an alarming increase of non-participatory volunteers in the fulfillment of their tasks. Hence, the researcher was motivated to conduct a study in the province of Ilocos Norte, Philippines to determine the level of Volunteer Probtion Assistants (VPAs) awareness relative to their functions, and to understand VPAs experiences in performing their sworn duties. The descriptive type of research was used in this study employing quantitative cross-sectional survey through a questionnaire survey checklist and a qualitative in-depth interview approach. Findings showed that VPAs are knowledgeable with their roles as direct supervisor and as a resource individual as they worked collaboratively work with Probation Officers (POs). Further VPAs and POs have maintained a good working relationship as partners in ensuring clients’ holistic reformation and rehabilitation. Volunteers asserted that VPA program creates both opportunities and challenges. It was stated that there were challenges to one's biases, uncooperative clients, and client threats. On the other hand, helping POs in providing the needed information, improvement of social and leadership skills, and a good venue of extending public service were emphasized. Therefore, VPAs play a vital role in the successful reintegration and rehabilitation of clients, and that they are an important asset to DOJ-PPA not only as community resources but also as a force-multipliers towards monitoring of clients, which is impossible to perform with the limited number of POs.