Modules in Juvenile Delinquency and Juvenile Justice System Maria Ivy Giray-Gacosta, RCrim.
Module 2: Concept and Factors which 2
Causes Juvenile Delinquency
Overview: ;
This Instructional Material is intended primarily for criminology students enrolled in the
subject Juvenile Delinquency and Juvenile Justice System. Emphasis is placed on Juvenile
Delinquency, (a) Glance of Philippine Juvenile Delinquency ;(b) Risk Factor and Factors
Which Causes Juvenile Delinquency which are composed of (a) Family; (b) Environment and
(c) School.
The State of Juvenile Delinquency in the Philippines is a collection of state and local
court-based systems whose purpose is to respond to young people who come into contact
with law enforcement and are accused of breaking the law. .However, a juvenile or youthful
offender refers to one who is over 9 years of age but under 21 years of age at the time of the
commission of the offense. Republic Act 9344 or the Juvenile Justice Law of 2006 sets the
minimum age of criminal liability at 15 years old. This means that those between 15 to 18
years old may be detained in youth centers and go through rehabilitation programs. Juvenile
delinquency is important because it is one of society's values. When a child or young adult
commits a crime, they need to be punished for it so they learn their lesson and the will not do
it again. Thus, this modules helps the Criminology students, learned the different factors
which can cause a juvenile delinquent.
Learning Objectives:
1. Be acquainted with the concept of Juvenile Delinquency and Identify risk factor in
Juvenile Delinquency;
2. Identify the Factors Which Causes Juvenile Delinquency;
3. Identify the factors brought by environment causes juvenile delinquency;
4. Identify the factors brought by School that causes juvenile delinquency.
1 Instructional Materials in Juvenile Delinquency and Juvenile Justice System
Reference: Jesster P. Eduardo, et.al,Juvenile Delinquency and Crime Prevention.
Wiseman’s Books Trading, Inc.
Modules in Juvenile Delinquency and Juvenile Justice System Maria Ivy Giray-Gacosta, RCrim.
1.1 Juvenile Delinquency (A Glance of Philippine Juvenile Delinquency)
“The State recognizes the vital role of the youth in
nation- building and shall promote and protect their
physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social being.
It shall inculcate in the youth patriotism and
nationalism, and encourage their involvement in public
and civic affairs (Art. II, Section 13,
Phil.Constitution).’’
The context of the fundamental law has clearly stated the indispensable role of the
youth towards a healthier development of our country. The 1987 constitutional commission
however, put an intense care and value to the hopes of our fatherland commanding the state
to shield the interest of young men and not to consent them in becoming a menace of the
society. The concept of delinquency, as well as special trials and institutions for confining
and controlling youth, was established in the mid-19th century in Great Britain, where courts
acquired the authority to intervene as Parens Patriae (Latin: “parent of the land”) to protect
the property rights of children.
The problems of street children and juvenile delinquents are much related social
problems. To survive in the street, you almost have to become delinquent. Exposed to
criminal elements, these children are vulnerable to prostitution, drug addiction and pushing
and commission of crimes. Most street children have become juvenile delinquents either out
of necessity (because they are poor) or through force (because of the syndicates).
A large problem arose from the treatment accorded to the juveniles when they were
placed in jails. Most juvenile delinquents were not segregated from the hardened adult
criminals in the biggest jails in the Philippines, such as in the Muntinlupa jail outside Manila,
so that after their release they went back in the street with more knowledge of crime. This
severely hampered the social integration of the youth offenders after they left prison. Chances
were high that these young offenders would become chronic delinquents and eventually
hardened criminals.
2 Instructional Materials in Juvenile Delinquency and Juvenile Justice System
Reference: Jesster P. Eduardo, et.al,Juvenile Delinquency and Crime Prevention.
Wiseman’s Books Trading, Inc.
Modules in Juvenile Delinquency and Juvenile Justice System Maria Ivy Giray-Gacosta, RCrim.
Juvenile Delinquency
Juvenile delinquency refers to criminal acts performed by juveniles. Most legal
systems prescribe specific procedures for dealing with juveniles, such as juvenile
detention centers. Youth crime is an aspect of crime which receives great attention
from the news media and politicians (Cortes & Gatti, 1972).
Delinquent
A juvenile is one who repeatedly commits crime; however these juvenile delinquents
could most likely have mental disorders/behavioral issues such as schizophrenia, post-
traumatic stress or bipolar disorder (Cortes & Gatti,1972).
Deviant Behavior
Deviant behavior refers to a behavior that does not conform to norms. These are
behaviors that in some ways do not meet with the expectations of a group or society
as a whole.
The Following May Help Us Understand our Consideration of What Deviant
Behavior is:
1. In terms of Time
The meaning of deviance changes through the years. For example, it was
socially unacceptable to see girls drinking beer or teenagers and women
smoking. All these are not heavily considered now as deviant behaviors.
2. In terms of Place or Geography
Being deviant varies according to geographic area. Open prostitution as an
example is deviant in the Philippines but not in some countries. Some
countries have open “red light districts’’ were customers can have their
choice (Saquilayan, et. al,2011).
Juvenile Delinquency as a Male Phenomenon
Youth crime is disproportionately committed by young men. Feminist theorists and
others have examined why this is the case. One suggestion is that ideas of masculinity
may make young men more likely to offend. Being tough, powerful, aggressive,
3 Instructional Materials in Juvenile Delinquency and Juvenile Justice System
Reference: Jesster P. Eduardo, et.al,Juvenile Delinquency and Crime Prevention.
Wiseman’s Books Trading, Inc.
Modules in Juvenile Delinquency and Juvenile Justice System Maria Ivy Giray-Gacosta, RCrim.
daring and competitive may be a way of young men expressing their masculinity.
Acting out these deals may make young men more likely to engage in antisocial and
criminal behavior.
1.2 Individual Risk Factors
Individual psychological or behavioral risk factors that may make offending more offending
more likely include intelligence, impulsiveness or the inability to delay gratification,
aggression, empathy, and restlessness.
Children with low intelligence are likely to do worse in school. This may increase the
chances of offending because low educational attainment, a low attachment to school, and
low educational aspirations are all risk factors for offending in themselves. Children who
perform poorly at school are also more likely to truant, which is also linked to offending in
themselves (Farrington: 2022)
Gang
The gang is frequently associated with groups in socially disorganized and deteriorated inner-
city neighborhoods. It is apply to youths who are engaged in a variety of delinquencies
ranging from truancy, street brawls, and beer running to race riots, robberies, and other
serious crimes.
Frederic Thraser
In 1927, he study the of more than 1, 300 delinquent gangs in Chicago, note that while no two
gangs are exactly alike, delinquent gangs do possess a number of qualities that set them apart
from other social groups.
1950’s
The gang was broadly defined as friendship group of adolescents who share common interest,
with a more or less clearly define territory, in which most of the members live. They are
committed to defending one another, the territory, and the gang name in the status-settings
fight occur in school and in the streets.
Youth Gang
Is a self-forming union of peers, bound together by mutual interests, with identifiable
leadership, well developed lines of authority, and other organizational features, who act in
concert to achieve specific purposes which generally include the conduct of illegal activity
and control over a territory, facility, or type of enterprise.
4 Instructional Materials in Juvenile Delinquency and Juvenile Justice System
Reference: Jesster P. Eduardo, et.al,Juvenile Delinquency and Crime Prevention.
Wiseman’s Books Trading, Inc.
Modules in Juvenile Delinquency and Juvenile Justice System Maria Ivy Giray-Gacosta, RCrim.
Characteristics of Gang
1. Organization
This states that a gang or gang members has collective goals. It may include the
Akyat Bahay Gang and the like.
2. Leadership
They have leaders that may decide matters related to the organization.
3. Turf or Territory
It involves identification and control. Identify places like parks, housing projects,
or schools to impose their illegal acts. Crossing turf boundaries and entering
another gang’s territory, often clearly marked by graffiti, involved taking serious
risks.
4. Cohesiveness
It refers to gang’s very close, tight-knit organizations with loyal members bound
to one another by mutual friendship and common interests.
Gang Suppression
Suppression could be attained through the use of laws that will allow authorities to charge
gang youths with basic criminal offenses against persons, property, and public order crimes.
1.3 Factors Which Causes Juvenile Delinquency
Many theories concerning the causes of juvenile crime center either on the individual or
on society as the major contributing influence. Theories focusing on the individual suggest
that children engage in criminal behavior because they were not suitably penalized for prior
delinquent acts or that they have learned criminal behavior through interaction with others.
A person who becomes socially estranged may be more prone to a commit criminal
act. Theories focusing on the role of society in juvenile delinquency propose that children
Commit crimes in reaction to their failure to rise above their socioeconomic status, or as a
repudiation of meddle-class values. Most theories of juvenile delinquency have focused
On children from disadvantaged families, ignoring the fact that children from well off homes
Also commit crimes. The latter may commit crimes because of the lack of sufficient parental
control, delays in achieving adult status, and hedonistic tendencies. All theories, however,
Are uncertain and is subject to evaluation.
5 Instructional Materials in Juvenile Delinquency and Juvenile Justice System
Reference: Jesster P. Eduardo, et.al,Juvenile Delinquency and Crime Prevention.
Wiseman’s Books Trading, Inc.
Modules in Juvenile Delinquency and Juvenile Justice System Maria Ivy Giray-Gacosta, RCrim.
A. FAMILY
The basic unit of society, whose main responsibility is to provide the basic necessities
of the child as well as to give emotional, spiritual, moral, intellectual and social basic
to its members particularly the children and the primary social agency tasked with the
significant task of rearing the youth.
The Ideal Criteria for Normal Home Include the Following:
*Structural completeness
*Economic Security
*Cultural conformity
*Moral conformity
*Physical and Psychological normality
*Functional or emotional adequacy
The Factors which may lead to Juvenile Delinquency
*Faulty development of the child
*Lack of parental guidance
*Parental rejection
*Broken homes
*Lack of love
*Unfair treatment
*Too harsh discipline by either or both of the parents
*Too lenient discipline by either or both of the parents
*Parent’s indifference to their child
1.4 LEGAL BASIS FOR PARENTAL AUTHORITY (Art. 17-22, P.D. 603)
a. Joint Parental Authority
The father and mother shall exercise jointly
just and reasonable parental authority and
responsibility over their legitimate or adopted children.
In case of disagreement, the father’s decision shall
prevail unless there is a judicial order to the contrary.
In case of the absence or death of their parent, the
present or surviving parent shall continue to exercise parental authority over such
6 Instructional Materials in Juvenile Delinquency and Juvenile Justice System
Reference: Jesster P. Eduardo, et.al,Juvenile Delinquency and Crime Prevention.
Wiseman’s Books Trading, Inc.
Modules in Juvenile Delinquency and Juvenile Justice System Maria Ivy Giray-Gacosta, RCrim.
children, unless in case of the surviving parent’s remarriage, the court, for justifiable
reasons, appoints another person as guardian. In case of separation of his parents, no child
under five years of age shall be separated from his mother unless the court finds
compelling reasons to do so. (Art. 17, PD 603)
b. Grandparents
Shall be consulted on important family questions but they shall not interfere in
the exercise of parental authority by the parents. (Art 18, PD 603)
c. Absence or Death of Parents
Grandparents and in their default, the oldest brother or sister who is at least
eighteen years of age, or the relative who has actual custody of the child, shall
exercise parental authority in case of absence or death of both parents, unless a
guardian has been appointed in accordance with the succeeding provision. (Art
19)
d. Guardian
The court may, upon the death of the
parents and in the case mentioned in Arts.
328 to 332 of the Civil Code, appoint a
guardian for the person and property of the
child, on petition of any relative or friend of
the family or the Department of Social
Welfare. (Art. 20)
e. Dependent, Abandoned or Neglected Child
The dependent, abandoned or neglected child shall be
under the parental authority of a suitable or accredited
person or institution that is caring for him as provided for
7 Instructional Materials in Juvenile Delinquency and Juvenile Justice System
Reference: Jesster P. Eduardo, et.al,Juvenile Delinquency and Crime Prevention.
Wiseman’s Books Trading, Inc.
Modules in Juvenile Delinquency and Juvenile Justice System Maria Ivy Giray-Gacosta, RCrim.
under the four preceding articles, after the child has been declared abandoned by either the
court or the Department of Social Welfare. ( Art. 21)
f. Transfer to the Department of Social Welfare
The dependent, abandoned or neglected child may be transferred to the care of
the Department of Social Welfare or a duly licensed child – caring institution
or individual in accordance with Articles 142 and 154 of this code, or upon the
request of the person or institution exercising parental authority over him.
From the time of such transfer, the Department of Social Welfare or the
duly licensed child-caring institution or individual shall be considered the
guardian of the child for all intents and purposes. (Art. 22)
RIGHTS OF PARENTS (Art 43-45, P.D. 603)
1. Primary Right of Parents – the parents shall have the right to the company of their
children and, in relation to all other persons or institutions dealing with the child’s
development, the primary right and obligation to provide for their upbringing.
2. Rights Under the Civil Code – Parents shall continue to exercise the rights
mentioned in Articles 316 to 326 of the Civil Code over the person and property of
the child.
3. Right to Discipline Child – Parents have the right to discipline the child as may be
necessary for the formation of his good character, and may therefore require from him
obedience to just and reasonable rules, suggestions and admonitions.
B. ENVIRONMENT
The culture, norms and behavior of
the child’s surroundings may very
well influence the upbringing of the
child especially throughout their
formative years and such
misbehaviors learned will definitely
be carried out until a child’s
maturity or entrance to the
8 Instructional Materials in Juvenile Delinquency and Juvenile Justice System
Reference: Jesster P. Eduardo, et.al,Juvenile Delinquency and Crime Prevention.
Wiseman’s Books Trading, Inc.
Modules in Juvenile Delinquency and Juvenile Justice System Maria Ivy Giray-Gacosta, RCrim.
adolescent world. Behavior modification by means of imitation as brought
about by the environment is as follows:
*Rampant drug addiction
*Vices such as gambling and alcoholism
*Association with criminal groups and gangs
*Association with criminal groups and gangs
*Impulse of fear and resentment
*Crime inducing situations and presence of hazards
*Attractive nuisances prevalent in the environment
C. SCHOOL
Learning institutions are vital to
proper child development, it represents
the child’s second home and represents
the instrument for the training of young
persons which provide gals, values and
academic growth which will be
necessary to transform the raw mind of
the child to be able to bring them up as productive, law abiding and responsible
citizen of the republic.
Instances of Deviant conduct of Children attributed to the School Inadequacy are
as follows:
*Truancy
*Membership in fraternities and sororities
*Lack of facilities for curricular and extra-curricular activities
*Failure of mentors in character development of the students
*Methods being used which create the conditions of frustration and failure on the part
of students.
*Corruption
9 Instructional Materials in Juvenile Delinquency and Juvenile Justice System
Reference: Jesster P. Eduardo, et.al,Juvenile Delinquency and Crime Prevention.
Wiseman’s Books Trading, Inc.
Modules in Juvenile Delinquency and Juvenile Justice System Maria Ivy Giray-Gacosta, RCrim.
Concept Check: No. 2 Score:______
Name:____________________ Yr.& Sec:___________ Date:______
Directions: Answer the following questions using your own word, Font size: New Times
Roman, 12, and 1.5 spacing, observe proper margins and correct usage of grammar.
1. After reading the concept of juvenile delinquency, and identifying the risk factor of
Juvenile delinquency, can you give a scenario in your community where the risk factor
of juvenile delinquency is present? Discussed your answer in paragraph form.
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
________________________________________.
2. Identify the factors of juvenile delinquency that is present in your community
nowadays. Justify your answer.
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
________________________________________.
3. Choose two (2) factors brought by environment which causes juvenile delinquency, and
discussed the causes and effects of such factors, justify your answer by correlating it to
your community where you resides.
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
________________________________________.
4. Which do you think is the most common factors brought by School that can cause the
child to become delinquent in their actions?
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
________________________________________.
5. Despite of pandemic, Juvenile Delinquency were still rampant, this statement is true or
false? Justify your answer.
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
10 Instructional Materials in Juvenile Delinquency and Juvenile Justice System
Reference: Jesster P. Eduardo, et.al,Juvenile Delinquency and Crime Prevention.
Wiseman’s Books Trading, Inc.
Modules in Juvenile Delinquency and Juvenile Justice System Maria Ivy Giray-Gacosta, RCrim.
________________________________________.
FEEDBACK
Hello there my students! You have already finished Module 2 of our subject. In this module,
you were exposed to several terms and descriptions of Juvenile Delinquency and the risk factors, so
that in return you will gain knowledge and apply those laws in your future profession as
Criminologists.
Look back at the different concept of Juvenile Delinquency, Do you understand it already? If
not, then we will explore this subject in the next modules. Just be patient in reading the modules and I
know you will get far.
Congratulations so far!
SUMMARY
To aid you in reviewing the concept in this module, here are the highlights:
Juvenile Delinquency - refers to criminal acts performed by juveniles. Most legal
systems prescribe specific procedures for dealing with juveniles, such as juvenile
detention centers.
Delinquent - is one who repeatedly commits crime; however these juvenile
delinquents could most likely have mental disorders/behavioral issues such as
schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress or bipolar disorder (Cortes & Gatti,1972).
Deviant Behavior - refers to a behavior that does not conform to norms. These are
behaviors that in some ways do not meet with the expectations of a group or society
as a whole.
Gang - is frequently associated with groups in socially disorganized and
11 Instructional Materials in Juvenile Delinquency and Juvenile Justice System
Reference: Jesster P. Eduardo, et.al,Juvenile Delinquency and Crime Prevention.
Wiseman’s Books Trading, Inc.
Modules in Juvenile Delinquency and Juvenile Justice System Maria Ivy Giray-Gacosta, RCrim.
deteriorated inner-city neighborhoods.
Frederic Thraser - In 1927, he study the of more than 1, 300 delinquent gangs in
Chicago, note that while no two gangs are exactly alike, delinquent gangs do
possess a number of qualities that set them apart from other social groups.
1950’s - The gang was broadly defined as friendship group of adolescents who
share common interest, with a more or less clearly define territory, in which most of
the members live.
Youth Gang - Is a self-forming union of peers, bound together by mutual interests,
with identifiable leadership, well developed lines of authority, and other
organizational features, who act in concert to achieve specific purposes which
generally include the conduct of illegal activity and control over a territory, facility,
or type of enterprise.
Organization - This states that a gang or gang members has collective goals. It may
include the Akyat Bahay Gang and the like.
Leadership - They have leaders that may decide matters related to the organization.
Turf or Territory - It involves identification and control. Identify places like parks,
housing projects, or schools to impose their illegal acts.
Cohesiveness - It refers to gang’s very close, tight-knit organizations with loyal
members bound to one another by mutual friendship and common interests.
Family - The basic unit of society, whose main responsibility is to provide the basic
necessities of the child as well as to give emotional, spiritual, moral, intellectual and
social basic to its members particularly the children and the primary social agency
tasked with the significant task of rearing the youth.
Joint Parental Authority - The father and mother shall exercise jointly just and
reasonable parental authority and responsibility over their legitimate or adopted
children.
Grandparents - Shall be consulted on important family questions but they shall not
interfere in the exercise of parental authority by the parents. (Art 18, PD 603)
Absence or Death of Parents - Grandparents and in their default, the oldest brother
or sister who is at least eighteen years of age, or the relative who has actual custody
of the child, shall exercise parental authority in case of absence or death of both
parents, unless a guardian has been appointed in accordance with the succeeding
provision. (Art 19)
Guardian - The court may, upon the death of the parents and in the case mentioned
in Arts. 328 to 332 of the Civil Code, appoint a guardian for the person and property
of the child, on petition of any relative or friend of the family or the Department of
Social Welfare. (Art. 20)
12 Instructional Materials in Juvenile Delinquency and Juvenile Justice System
Reference: Jesster P. Eduardo, et.al,Juvenile Delinquency and Crime Prevention.
Wiseman’s Books Trading, Inc.
Modules in Juvenile Delinquency and Juvenile Justice System Maria Ivy Giray-Gacosta, RCrim.
Dependent, Abandoned or Neglected Child - The dependent, abandoned or
neglected child shall be under the parental authority of a suitable or accredited
person or institution that is caring for him as provided for under the four preceding
articles, after the child has been declared abandoned by either the court or the
Department of Social Welfare. ( Art. 21)
Transfer to the Department of Social Welfare - The dependent, abandoned or
neglected child may be transferred to the care of the Department of Social Welfare
or a duly licensed child – caring institution or individual in accordance with Articles
142 and 154 of this code, or upon the request of the person or institution exercising
parental authority over him.
Primary Right of Parents – the parents shall have the right to the company of their
children and, in relation to all other persons or institutions dealing with the child’s
development, the primary right and obligation to provide for their upbringing.
Rights Under the Civil Code – Parents shall continue to exercise the rights
mentioned in Articles 316 to 326 of the Civil Code over the person and property of
the child.
Right to Discipline Child – Parents have the right to discipline the child as may be
necessary for the formation of his good character, and may therefore require from
him obedience to just and reasonable rules, suggestions and admonitions.
SUGGESTED READINGS:
To further your understanding on some of the topics, you can refer to the following
links:
https://www.unafei.or.jp/publications/pdf/RS_No101/No101_17_IP_Philippines.pdf
https://study.com/academy/lesson/history-of-juvenile-delinquency.html.
https://jjwc.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Comprehensive-National-Juvenile-
Intervention-Program-CNJIP.pdf
REFERENCES:
Jesster P. Eduardo, et.al,Juvenile Delinquency and Crime Prevention. Wiseman’s Books
Trading, Inc.
13 Instructional Materials in Juvenile Delinquency and Juvenile Justice System
Reference: Jesster P. Eduardo, et.al,Juvenile Delinquency and Crime Prevention.
Wiseman’s Books Trading, Inc.
Modules in Juvenile Delinquency and Juvenile Justice System Maria Ivy Giray-Gacosta, RCrim.
Ricardo M. Guevara, et.al. Juvenile Delinquency and Crime Prevention. Wiseman’s Books
Trading, Inc. Quezon City, Philippines.
-------------------------------- Thank You for Reading!!!-----------------------------------------------
14 Instructional Materials in Juvenile Delinquency and Juvenile Justice System
Reference: Jesster P. Eduardo, et.al,Juvenile Delinquency and Crime Prevention.
Wiseman’s Books Trading, Inc.
