Saint Ferdinand College

Sta. Ana St. Bagumbayan, City of Ilagan

THE ROOT CAUSES OF JUVENILE DELINQUENCY IN BARANGAY CAPO

CITY OF ILAGAN, ISABELA

A Research Paper

in partial fulfillment

for the requirements for the degree

Bachelor of Science in Criminology

Researchers:

Adorable, Jamaica Fate

Castillo, Jervie

Gumpalen, Kayecel Jane

Manangan, Jovanalyn

Ramirez, Karen

Salvador, Ralp Patrick

Vigilla, Liezle

September 2023

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 Table of contents

CHAPTER 1. THE PROBLEMS AND ITS BACKGROUND

Introduction …………………………………………………………………………………………………. 1

Statement of the Problem…………………………………………………………….. ……………………. 2

The Null Hypothesis …………………………………………………………………….............................. 2

Significance of the Study…………………………………………………………….................................... 2

Scope and Delimitation of the Study…………………………………………………….............................. 3

Conceptual Framework…………………………………………………………………............................... 3

Research Paradigm………………………………………………………………………………………….. 4

Definition of Terms……………………………….……………………………………………………….... 5

CHAPTER 2. REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

Foreign Literature …………………………………………………………………………………………... 6

Local Literature ……………………………………………………………………………………………... 8

Related Studies ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 11

CHAPTER 3. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND PROCEDURES

Research Design …………………………………………………………………………………………….. 13

Locale of the Study ………………………………………………………………………………………….. 13

Selection and Description of Respondents ………………………………………………………………….... 13

Data Gathering Instrument …………………………………………………………………………………… 14

Statistical Treatment …………………………………………………………………………………………… 14

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 CHAPTER I

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

INTRODUCTION

Juvenile delinquency is a pressing social issue with far-reaching consequences for individuals, families, and

communities. The occurrence of criminal or antisocial behavior among young individuals has raised concerns and

sparked interest in understanding the underlying root causes. Identifying these factors is crucial for developing effective

prevention strategies and interventions to mitigate the negative impact of juvenile delinquency on society.

In order to understand Juvenile delinquency according to the Republic Act of No. 9344, also known as the “Juvenile

Justice and Welfare Act of 2006,” governs the handling of juvenile delinquency in the Philippines. Under this act, juvenile

delinquency refers to the commission of any act by a child aged 15 years old and below, or a child above 15 but below 18

years old who is acting without discernment, which is considered an offense under Philippine laws. However, this act

recognizes that children who commit offenses are victims themselves and should not be treated as criminals but instead

as persons in need of guidance and intervention.

This research aims to delve into the root causes of juvenile delinquency, taking into account various social, economic,

psychological, and environmental factors that contribute to the problem. By understanding and addressing these root

causes, policymakers, researchers, and practitioners can design targeted initiatives to curb the rising rates of delinquent

behavior and provide support for at-risk youth.

Throughout this study, it will explore multiple dimensions linked to the root causes of juvenile delinquency. One of the

aspects to explore in this research is the impact of juvenile delinquency on the community. By understanding the

consequences and effects of such violations, it can better develop strategies to address and prevent these behaviors. It

will investigate the social, economic, and psychological impacts imposed on the community as a result of juvenile

delinquency and this research aims to address the potential impact of juvenile delinquency on the future of minors. Does

engaging in delinquent activities hinder their chances of leading successful lives? Do these behaviors have long-term

consequences?

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 Additionally, this research will aim to uncover potential interactions and relationships among these root causes. This

will help create a more nuanced understanding of the mechanisms through which these factors impact delinquent

behavior in order to inform comprehensive strategies for prevention and intervention.

By analyzing on the root causes of juvenile delinquency, this research seeks to contribute to the growing body of

knowledge in this field. Ultimately, the findings can be utilized to develop evidence-based policies, programs, and

initiatives that address the root causes and provide young individuals with the necessary support and opportunities for

positive development, reducing the prevalence of juvenile delinquency in our communities.

Statement of the Problem

This study aims to determine the data and the reasons behind the committing of juvenile delinquency cases.

This study will seek to answer the following question:

1.)What is the demographic profile of the respondents?

a.) Name

b.) Age

c.) Gender

2.) What is the impact of committing such violation towards the community?

3.) Is juvenile delinquency might affect the future of a certain minor?

Null Hypothesis

There is no significant difference of the juvenile delinquency of the respondent.

Significance of the Study

The findings of the study may provide deeper insights on the root causes why juvenile delinquent commits

an act that is against the law. The study determined that some factors in the environment of the subject leads and

influence towards juvenile delinquency. The result of the study will be great benefit of the following:

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 Parents. The results of this study may serve as an eye opener for those who are not physically and

emotionally present in their child’s life. This study also serves as a guide to those who want to Inspire their

child and prevent certain factors that can lead to juvenile delinquency.

Youth. This study will provide them the results of wrong choices because they will realize how life changes

if they make a wrong move. This will enable them to reflect on themselves on how to value life as a great

treasure.

Teachers. This will provide understanding to the juvenile who needs more of their patience and

understanding. The findings of this study may encourage them to be an example and guide to the youth in order

to prevent juvenile delinquency.

Community. This will be a basis for them to know more about juveniles and also to help them to encourage

the community in participatory role in dealing juvenile delinquency

Researchers. As future law enforcers we initiate activities that eliminates juvenile delinquent activities

Student. This will be serve as a basis guidelines for them to know more about juveniles

Scope and Delimitation of the Study

This study was focused on the root causes of juvenile delinquency in selected youth respondent of Barangay

Capo, City of Ilagan, Isabela. It includes the profile of the respondents as to there name, age and gender.

Conceptual Framework

The framework makes use of the input-output method to illustrate how the study’s variables are related to

one another and to provide a clear understanding of the various root causes of juvenile delinquency. The study’s

paradigm demonstrates how the variables are related to one another.

The study’s findings are displayed in the box as a useful technique for lowering crime. The profile of the

respondents, including their name, age, and gender, is shown in Figure 1 as an input box. The study’s findings

are displayed in the output box to help develop a successful understanding to the root causes for juvenile

delinquency.

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Research Paradigm

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

1. Demographic 1. Demographic profile Understand the root causes

profile of the of the respondent in of juvenile delinquency
respondent in terms of:
terms of: a. Name
a. Nam b. Age Reduction of juvenile case
b. Age c. Gender
c. Gender 2. Impact of
2. Impact of committing such
Safe and secure
committing such violation towards the
community
violation towards community
the community

FEEDBACK

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Definition of Terms

In order for the readers to understand and appreciate the study, the following terms are defined.

Anti- social Behavior – refers to the harmful action or lack of consideration for well being of others.

Child – it refers to a person under the age of eighteen (18) years

Criminal – a person who has committed a crime or has been legally convicted of crime

Discernment – the capacity of the child at the time of the commission of the offense to understand the

difference between right and wrong and the consequences of the wrongful act.

Intervention program – providing treatment and services to youth who have committed crimes.

Juvenile – relating to or meant for young people

Juvenile Delinquency – also know as “juvenile offending”, participating in illegal behavior by minors

Violation – the action of violating someone or something

Root Causes – seen as the underlying or deeper issues that contribute to the problem.

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 CHAPTER 2
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

In the process of analyzing and conceptualizing the research problem, the researchers reviewed pieces of

literature on the root causes of juvenile delinquency of the respondents. The following materials were

consolidated in this chapter.

A. Related Literature

Foreign

According to Singh, juvenile delinquency is a serious issue that impacts not just the victims of the

offenders but also the juvenile offenders, their families, and the community as whole. Even if juvenile

offenders are unable to foresee the consequences of their actions on their own, these acts have a negative

impact on them. Mostly these crimes lead the juveniles to lose their freedom as they might be placed on

probation, or even incarcerated. The delinquency of the minor may dictate and affect his or her career

choices in the future.

Sometimes it also becomes a trauma for the members of the family to have a juvenile delinquent in their

family and this creates instability and a sense of insecurity for other members. The family has to face the

needs of the juvenile in trouble and the families also have an ethical obligation to the victim of the

delinquent. Families are required to attend counseling sessions for the delinquent. Juvenile delinquency is

closely related to sexual activities, drug use, gang involvement, etc. All these hurt the community because

they make the community unsafe, and they also led the government to spend colossal sums of money in

school for safety and law enforcement.

____________________

https://www.legalserviceindia.com/legal/article-7605-juvenile-delinquency-causes-effects-prevention-and-rehabilitation.

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 According to Cauffman et al, examined the extent to which demographics, psychological, contextual, and

legal factors independently predict dispositional outcomes within the two juvenile court jurisdictions. The

results of this study showed that legal factors have the strongest influence on disposition in both

jurisdictions. The evidence of the popular image of juvenile court as a flexible and lenient institution was

not much accepted in this study rather the decisions of the court were dependent on the juvenile’s

psychological development and mental health.

According to Bhardwaj, Juvenile delinquency rates have been on the rise, often stemming from learned

behavior acquired from various sources like family, peers, schools, and society. The upbringing and care a

child receives significantly impact their development, potentially preventing delinquent behavior. Factors

such as family influence, social environment, school and neighborhood settings, peer groups, and

experiences like sexual abuse can all contribute to lower self-esteem in children, leading them toward anti-

social activities. Societal changes due to globalization, industrialization, and urbanization have altered

family structures, impacting the younger generation’s quest for new identities and economic independence.

These changes affect parental care, leading to issues like lack of supervision, ongoing conflicts, neglect, and

abuse, weakening children’s attachment to their families. Additionally, various other factors like low

socioeconomic status, large family size, illiteracy, poor parental care, conflicts within families,

neighborhood conditions, peer influence, media exposure, feelings of revenge, academic struggles,

substance abuse, unemployment, and anger contribute to juvenile delinquency. Children lacking proper love,

education, and socialization during their formative years, especially those with lower intelligence, are more

susceptible to delinquent behavior. The challenges of raising children in this modern society, amidst

globalization and technological advancements, remain a significant concern for parents.

__________________________
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Dr_Neeraj2/publication/366249603_juvenile/links/63999ec4095a6a777429fb3c/juvenile.pdf
https://www.scribd.com/document/404642504/Foreign-Literature

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 According to Duncklee, Laws are in existence to keep people safe and out of Harm’s way. Ideally, people

will not be injured physically, financially, or emotionally if people followed all the laws. Realistically, not

all laws are followed and officials resort to creating laws to combat lawlessness. As a way to reduce juvenile

crime, cities throughout the United States have imposed curfew laws for minors. The Goal of these laws is

to deter the youth from committing crimes and while this goal is admirable, these laws may no longer be

necessary or even effective.

It Is common for minors who are charged with crimes to have a history involving one or more of the

following problems; Violence in the home, financial issues, drug and alcohol abuse, poor school work, lack

of school attendance, peer pressure, and boredom. A lot of these problems are the main factors that influence

someone’s decision to commit a crime. Numerous sociological research have shown that a child’s potential

for aggressive or risky criminal behavior increases with the number of influencing elements in their history.

“CONTRIBUTING FACTORS TO JUVENILE DELINQUENCY”.

Local

According to Alcantara C., there are four reasons why teenagers become juvenile delinquents, first is a

broken family, where a bad relationship can cause the child to become violent and make him seek attention

from other people. Second, lack of communication can make the child lose its trust and understanding that

will cause him to have low self-esteem and self-confidence that eventually he will adopt his peer unhealthy

lifestyle. Third is lack of money where they may start to commit crimes such as stealing to improve their

economic conditions.

____________________
https://baysingerlaw.com/2018/02/contributing-factors-juvenile-delinquency/

https://www.academia.edu/41140361/Juvenile_Delinquency_in_Manila_Philippines

https://www.scribd.com/document/388443918/Local-literature-1-docx

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Lastly, lack of social and moral training can lead to poor interaction with other people and can make them

selfish and arrogant without knowing how to respect others and laws of the state. In addition substance

abuse is also considered as a reason due to the fact that they are not in a normal state of mind when they are

doing such actions . With the following stated reasons or causes, it shows that parental guidance is a must in

shaping a child to become what he will be in the near future.

Numerous social problems might be linked to the reasons for juvenile delinquency in the Philippines, the

authorities believe that minors are mostly motivated to commit crimes by poverty. This notion could not be

far from the truth, since theft and robbery account for a significant portion of youth delinquencies. However,

there are additional factors that could also encourage youths to commit crimes, such as trauma and abuse,

imitating criminal behavior, involvement in gang activity, inadequate access to education, and constant use

of technology. “JUVENILE DELINQUENCY IN THE PHILIPPINES: IS JUVENILE JUSTICE FAIR”.

Abella J., supported that there is really a strong relationship between the home and the outside

environment of the children in conflict with the law. Offenders are also becoming younger and younger.

Home is an important factor that everyone should consider to address the increasing number of younger

generations committing crimes. Therefore all efforts should be done to build and strengthen the family to

make it stable. The Local Government Unit on the other hand must give extra effort as it should serve as the

primary implementer of laws and adopt a comprehensive plan to prevent delinquent activities.

____________________
https://businessmirror.com.ph/2022/05/19/juvenile-delinquency-in-the-philippines/

https://www.omicsonline.org/open-access/extent-of-the-factors-influencing-the-delinquent-acts-among-children-inconflict-with-the-law-2375-4494-

1000288.php?aid=71911

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 Palomares P., stated that there is a connection between children’s propensity for crime and their living

conditions—poverty and dysfunctional families. The youth who are envisioned as future pillars of the

country need an all-out support from the family who is the first institution responsible for their socialization

process. A family who. Not being able to nurture the children appropriately gives opportunity for other

actors in the environment who may probably influence the development of their negative behavior towards

oneself, to others, and the society at large. The vulnerability of the youth to be involved in various activities

either legal or illegal due to the influences of peers and gangs pave the way to the commission of crimes.

Sarno J., Aggression in terms of physical aggression, verbal aggression, anger and hostility and the

general level of aggression of juvenile delinquents. It found that there is a significant relationship between

parenting styles and aggression of juvenile delinquents. However, the study found that among the three

domains of parenting – authoritative, authoritarian and permissive style, only authoritarian parenting style

influenced aggression of juvenile delinquents. It confirms the positive link between parenting styles and

juvenile aggression, highlighting the subtle ill-effects of dysfunctional or flawed parenting style towards the

development of children’s aggressive behaviors. This is an essential insight for all the parents who practiced

these harmful child-rearing methods for them to negate and cease from doing it before the development of

anti-social behaviors among their children will fully develop. Furthermore, he suggests the critical role of

the various agents of socialization, particularly the parents and whole family in the development of the

norm-breaking attitudes of the children and that the child learns aggressive and violent behavior from

models of violent behavior in the family and from involvement in the family’s coercive interaction.

_____________________
https://journal.umy.ac.id/index.php/GPP/article/download/4303/3695

https://ijols.com/resources/html/article/details?id=211788&language=en

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 B. Related Studies

In the Philippines, Republic Act No. 9344 was created, AN ACT ESTABLISHING A COMPREHENSIVE

JUVENILE JUSTICE AND WELFARE SYSTEM, CREATING THE JUVENILE JUSTICE AND

WELFARE COUNCIL UNDER THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE APPROPRIATING FUNDS

THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. This law is otherwise known as the Juvenile Justice Welfare

Act of 2006. This law embodies the government’s commitment to ensuring the rights and welfare of

children in conflict with the law. By prioritizing rehabilitation, diversion, and restorative justice.

According to Gupta et al (2022), youth crime is on the rise, and in order to keep society functioning, it

needs to be appropriately addressed. According to their definition, juvenile delinquency is the habit of a

young person who has not yet turned 18 years old committing crimes, and who can still be held accountable

for their actions. Clinically speaking, it is defined as a child’s chronic antisocial behavior or conduct that

involves violent, aggressive activities that violate the law and are socially unacceptable.

Numerous risk variables, including individual, parental, family, community, society, schools/educational,

economic, mental, and psychological factors affecting the individual and the family, have been linked to

delinquent behavior. Young children engage in a range of antisocial behaviors in an effort to meet their basic

requirements. “Delinquency” is essentially just a side hustle for financial gain. These risk factors differ from

person to person during the early childhood period and are very crucial because children who are involved

in any kind of deviant activity at an early stage have a higher chance to adopt delinquent tendencies. The

distinctive characteristics that separate males and females can be attributed to the gender gap in delinquency,

which dates back to the traditional age.

___________________________
https://lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2006/ra_9344_2006.html

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9891039/

https://www.grin.com/document/180775#:~:text

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 There is a claim that the biological and psychological distinctions between males and females can

account for variations in crime rates and demonstrate the link between delinquency and gender. The early

criminologists concentrated on physical traits that they thought were indicative of criminal activity

including delinquency. Early biological traditions linked criminality and gender differences to

characteristics that distinguish males and females. (Ramdihan, 2011)

According to Nourollah M. et al (2015), An extremely complicated societal phenomena is delinquency.

Much time and effort have been devoted to elucidating and justifying it in recent years. In society, juvenile

delinquency is a genuine issue. Naturally, this phenomena will spread and endanger the nation’s future

leaders if the underlying factors of crime and delinquency are not looked into in compliance with the terms

and circumstances. The latest results highlight the impact of a number of demographic, social, and familial

factors such as work, schooling, family separation, addiction, etc. have on the prevalence of juvenile

delinquency, which calls for solutions. In summary, each effort taken to ensure the health of young people

and create a better society and personality, as well as to improve the social living environment ensuring the

health and safety facilities and presenting formal and informal educations in all areas of juveniles’

development should be taken in particular moral growth based on the true faith criteria and undoubtedly,

this will lead to reducing and eventually eradicating this social problem.

Tatar et al (2011) examined that the individual’s perception of fair treatment by the justice system which

has an effect on their attitudinal, emotional, and behavioral outcomes. Many other measures are taken in this

study such as demographics and background variables, depressive symptoms, anger, self-esteem, attitude

towards staff and inmates, institutional offending, and institutional substance abuse.

_______________________
https://biomedpharmajournal.org/vol8marchspledition/a-study-of-factors-affecting-juvenile-delinquency/

http://ethesis.nitrkl.ac.in/4634/1/411H51010.pdf

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 CHAPTER 3

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND PROCEDURES

The research method and procedures used in this research are contained in this chapter. It explains and

discusses the research design, locale of the study, data gathering instruments and the statistical treatment of data

gathered.

Research Design

The descriptive method of research was used in this study. This involves the process of gathering, analyzing,

classifying and tabulating data about prevailing conditions, practices, processes, trends and the cause and effect,

relationship and accurate interpretation about such data with the aid of statistical method.

Since the present study focuses mainly on the root causes of juvenile delinquency in Barangay Capo, City

of Ilagan, Isabela, the descriptive method of this research is the most appropriate to use.

The survey technique, which is a fact finding study was employed in this study. This involves collecting

demographic data, factors and practice of a sample portion of populations.

Locale of the Study

The study was conducted in Barangay Capo, City of Ilagan, Isabela.

Selection and Description of Respondents

The participants of the study were the 100 youths residing in Barangay Capo. The respondents must be 12-17

years of age and must have the willingness to cooperate in the said study.

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Data Gathering Instrument

The data for this research were collected using questionnaire. The survey was created using suitable

questions modified from related research and individual questions formed by the researcher. The survey consists

of 20 questions, which were related to the participant’s perception regarding the root causes of juvenile

delinquency. In the questionnaire, the Likert scale was used to determine the respondent’s answers. After the

professor validated the questionnaire, these were distributed to the youths ages 12-17 of Barangay Capo City of

Ilagan, Isabela. The researchers included the name, age and gender of the children involved. The researchers

assured confidentiality of their identities.

Statistical Treatment

Sufficient and distinctive presentation of data was substantial to give clear analysis of the data; the following

statistical method is used in this study:

The researcher will apply the following statistical treatment of data for the solution to the problem:

FREQUENCY- these tools facilitate the tallying and counting of frequencies based on each item or category.

PERCENTAGE-used to qualify the actual response given by the respondents regarding the questionnaire. This

will be computed by dividing the number of responses by the number of respondents and the quotient will be

multiplied by one hundred.

Frequency and Percentage Count

This was used in identifying the profile of the respondents using the following formula:

P= __F____ × 100%
N

Where,

P= Percentage Count

F= Frequency

N= Number of case

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100%-Constant

Weighted Average Mean. This was used in identifying the root causes of juvenile delinquency, having the

following formula

wf
WAM- _________
N

Where:

WAM Weighted Average Mean

W = Weight

F = Frequency

N = Number of respondent

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