Social Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Vulnerable Groups: A Community-Based Welfare Approach

Abstract

This study examines the implementation of community-based welfare approaches in supporting the social rehabilitation and reintegration of vulnerable groups within contemporary social welfare systems. The research aims to analyze the role of community participation, empowerment mechanisms, and inclusive welfare governance in strengthening sustainable rehabilitation outcomes among marginalized populations. The study employed a qualitative method using a case study design because this approach enables an in-depth understanding of social experiences, participatory interactions, and institutional dynamics within real-life welfare contexts. The research was conducted in Tangerang Regency and South Tangerang City, Banten Province, Indonesia, due to the regions’ increasing social welfare challenges and the existence of community-based rehabilitation initiatives. Fifteen informants were selected purposively, consisting of social workers, community leaders, welfare activists, government representatives, and rehabilitation beneficiaries, because they possessed direct experience and strategic knowledge related to rehabilitation and reintegration processes. The findings reveal that community participation, social capital, empowerment programs, and inclusive social support significantly strengthen psychosocial recovery, social acceptance, and economic resilience among vulnerable individuals. However, social stigma, institutional limitations, and structural inequality remain major barriers affecting sustainable reintegration. The study recommends strengthening participatory welfare governance, community empowerment programs, and collaborative rehabilitation policies to promote inclusive and sustainable social welfare systems.