Young Probationers’ Journey: Struggles and Steps toward Reintegration

In the criminal justice system, probationary periods are used to supervise offenders in the community as part of their sentence, aiming to assess their rehabilitation potential and compliance with legal conditions. The study aimed to examine the experiences of young individuals navigating the probation process, with a particular emphasis on the challenges they encounter, the coping mechanisms they employ, and the social and emotional adjustments they make throughout their probation period. This study utilized a qualitative approach using phenomenological transcendental design and Moustakas' (1994) data analysis technique was used to analyze the data. The study was conducted in one of the municipalities in Lanao Del Norte. There were eight participants in this study. From the participants’ responses, three major themes are developed, such as: navigating probation through support, self-control, and reflection struggle, resilience through support, self-discipline, avoidance of temptations, and productive engagement, and holistic coping strategies for emotional resilience during probation. Young probationers demonstrate that probation entails conquering personal demons including prior addictions, emotional trauma, social shame, and the fear of relapsing. As a conclusion, they must exercise self-control, reflect, and have strong support networks from family and religion in order to overcome the complex emotional and social obstacles that extend beyond legal compliance. Therefore, probationer support programs may highlight the value of self-control and personal effort in overcoming problems.