Quezon City’s Molave Youth Home, for example, has 72 security personnel,

at least 13 teachers, six administrative staff, 26 “house parents” and 10 social

workers.

As it has exceeded its standard 250-capacity, the center’s officials worry

that they might have to accommodate more than 500 youth offenders
without programs preventing crime at the community level.

“The preventive aspect of the measure should be strengthened right from the

start. We believe that these children, before they are considered in conflict

with the law, they are considered children at risk, as most of them have been

neglected by their families,” said Marisol Casabuena, officer in charge of the

Molave’s Residential and Rehabilitation Division.

“In fact, these children should not even reach Bahay Pag-asa. On the

community level, authorities and officials must be able to determine who

have been neglected and need immediate attention and care,” she added.