Fourteenth International Conference on Health, Wellness & Society

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic undeniably posed challenges in people’s lives, activities and relationships. It challenged every individual’s physical, mental, emotional, psychological and spiritual well-being. The phenomenon is especially difficult for persons deprived of liberty making them more vulnerable in contact with the disease due to their “locked away” condition, shortage of resources and non-allegiance to minimum health standards with the Philippines being regarded as one of the countries with highest jail capacity. This narrative inquiry research delves into the experiences of CICLs and their parents or guardians on the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and how this affected their well-being. Findings indicate physical challenges as children in conflict with the law and staff contacted with the COVID-19 virus; economic challenges due to limited to no donations or funding for Bahay Pag-asa during the pandemic while loss of jobs on the part of guardians and parents; social challenges, because parents and guardians were restricted to conduct visitation; and hampered case management due to limited or temporarily stopped services and intervention activities.