Child Protection Policy in School: A Case Study on Implementers

This study assessed the capacity of Child Protection Policy (CPP) implementers at Sabang National High School and proposed strategies for improved implementation. Using a qualitative case study approach, guided by Diffusion of Innovation Theory and the Theory of Change, interviews were conducted with members of the school’s Child Protection Committee. Findings revealed that while implementers possess a foundational understanding of the CPP and a strong moral commitment to student welfare, their effectiveness is limited by systemic and contextual barriers—such as insufficient training, inadequate legal guidance, weak inter-agency coordination, cultural resistance, and lack of localized materials. Viewed through the Diffusion of Innovation Theory (Rogers, 2003), most implementers exhibit traits of early adopters or early majority, showing willingness to adopt new practices but needing structural support, clear protocols, and peer reinforcement to fully integrate the policy into routine practice. In contrast, resistant community members reflect late majority or laggard behaviors, delaying institutional change due to entrenched cultural norms and lack of trust in formal systems. Simultaneously, from a Theory of Change perspective, the causal pathway between awareness and effective implementation remains weak. While moral intent and basic understanding exist (inputs), these are not supported by key enabling factors—such as legal literacy programs, accountability mechanisms, and collaborative platforms—resulting in disrupted outputs and inconsistent outcomes. The study concludes that capacity-building efforts must be institutionalized and strategically designed to activate critical points in the causal pathway. It recommends targeted interventions focused on confidentiality, accountability, teamwork, and structured support, along with improved legal literacy and inter-agency coordination, to ensure that the CPP is not only understood but consistently and confidently implemented within a functional, system-driven framework.