02685 a2200181 4500 20260713093138.0 TH 378.242 A347 2025 Alcantara, Henjie M. Implementation of the child protection policy in a schools district / Henjie M. Alcantara Sibalom Antique : University of Antique, 2025 xiii, 129 pages : illustration ; 29 cm Includes bibliographical references Abstract This sequential mixed-methods study investigated the effectiveness and gaps in the implementation of the Child Protection Policy (CPP) in public elementary schools within a school district in the Schools Division of Antique during the school year 2024-2025. Specifically, it aimed to assess the level of stakeholders' awareness and implementation of the CPP as input for an improvement plan. Data were collected using a researcher-developed and validated survey checklist and interview guide. The study involved 53 totally enumerated school heads, guidance coordinators, and PTA presidents, along with 18 purposively selected teachers. Descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation) and inferential analyses (t-test, one-way ANOVA, and Least Significant Difference test) were used, with significance set at a = 0.05. Thematic analysis was applied to qualitative data. Findings revealed that stakeholders had a very high level of awareness and a very good level of implementation of the CPP, regardless of demographic variables. However, a significant difference in CPP implementation was found based on stakeholders' designation. Enabling factors for awareness included competent leadership, a sense of responsibility, strong advocacy, continuous professional development, and a receptive community. Implementation was influenced by compliance with legal frameworks, strategic collaboration, volunteerism, transparency, accountability, and sustainability planning. The study concluded that stakeholders are fully aware of CPP provisions and actively support its implementation. Based on the findings, the researcher proposed an improvement plan dubbed Plan ""SMART"" (Strengthened CPP Mechanisms and Access to Resources and Trainings). It is recommended that education leaders prioritize the development of comprehensive national policies, enhance local response systems, and provide sustained capacity-building initiatives to further improve CPP implementation. Keywords: Awareness, implementation, Child Protection Policy, stakeholders TH GS Higher education Theses and dissertations Child protection ddc TH 41665 41665 0 0 ddc 0 0 SB SB 2026-07-13 Donation 0 TH 378.242 A347 2025 TH 2451 2026-07-13 2026-07-13 TH