THE INFLUENCE OF FAMILY BACKGROUND ON JUVENILE DELINQUENCY AT

BARANGAY CALAOCAN, SANTIAGO CITY, ISABELA

A Thesis

Presented to the Faculty of the

College of Criminology

NORTHEASTERN COLLEGE

Santiago City

In Partial Fulfillment

of the requirement for the

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN CRIMINOLOGY

By

BACLAO, JANNELE A.

DOMINGO, FROILAN JR. N.

GAUNIA, GLAIZA MARIZ B.

QUINES, HAINA T.

TIZON, CHRISTIAN KELLY O.

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 THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Introduction

“The youth is the hope of our motherland”, a timeless quote by Dr. Jose Rizal, emphasizes

the vital role of young people in society. He envisioned them as future leaders, whose talents and

skills would pave the way for national progress. However, despite this hopeful outlook, the rise in

juvenile crimes tells a different story.

Increasing reports of offenses committed by minors have led to the perception of some

youth as delinquents. Instead of using the word “juvenile”, Philippine laws made use of the word

“child”. As defined in Republic Act No. 9344 or the “Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act “, “Child”

is a person under the age of 18 years. While “Child at Risk” refers to a child who is vulnerable to

and at the risk of committing criminal offenses because of personal, family and social

circumstances. Juvenile delinquency, or juvenile offending, involves minors participating in

unlawful behaviors. Juvenile delinquency refers to the act of communicating crimes by a young

person who is under 18 years old and it can be held responsible for their actions.

One of the most critical factors influencing juvenile behavior is family background such as

Parental Involvement, Economic conditions, and Family Stability. Parental Involvement: Lack of

parental involvement or neglect can lead children vulnerable to bad influences, such as peers who

engaged in delinquency. Children may feel abandoned or lack the necessary guidance, which can

push them towards criminal activities as a way to seek attention or gain a sense of control;

Economic conditions: Financial strain- Families facing economic hardship may struggle to provide

a stable and supportive environment for their children. This can lead to increased stress, which

may contribute to family conflict, substance abuse, or neglect. Children in this situation may be

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more likely to engage in criminal behavior due to lack of supervision, fewer opportunities for

positive activities, or desperation. Social Disparities- Poverty often correlates with higher rates of

crime in communities, exposing children to environments where criminal behavior is normalized.

They may lack access to quality education or after-school programs, which can increase the

likelihood of criminal environment as a way to gain social status or financial gain: and Family

Stability: refers to the consistency and structure within the home, including factors like the

presence of both parents, emotional support, and a lack of conflict. Family instability is due to the

factors like divorce, domestic violence, substance abuse, or frequent relocation can cause

emotional distress for children.

Juvenile delinquency remains a pressing concern both globally and locally, demanding

urgent attention. Internationally, the National Juvenile Court Data Archive reported that in 2021,

courts with juvenile jurisdiction handled an estimated 437,300 delinquency cases. Although this

reflects a 71% decrease from the peak in 2005, the sheer number of cases illustrates the persistence

of juvenile crime and its complex underlying causes. In the Philippines, the issue is equally

alarming. The Philippine National Police-Woman and Children Protection Center (PNP-WCPC)

reported a rise in juvenile delinquency cases from 10,338 in 2017 to 11,228 in 2018, indicating a

growing trend despite global efforts to curb youth crime. Common offenses among Filipino minors

include physical injury, theft malicious mischief, and drug-related crimes, with the majority of

offenders aged between 12 and 18, according to the Department of Social Welfare and

Development (DSWD), the age group 15-17 accounts for nearly half of all juvenile offenses

(46.96%), followed by individuals aged 18 and above (19.05%). This trend highlights the urgent

need to address the factors driving these youths toward crime. The DSWD identifies poverty as a

major factor, often leading minors to commit crimes as a means of survival or due to a lack of

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opportunities for personal development. These statistics underscore the importance of examining

the familial conditions that contribute to juvenile delinquency, aiming to develop effective

prevention and intervention strategies that can address this global issue at its roots.

According to the statistical report from the PNP-WCPC Santiago City, Barangay Calaocan

has a several cases of Juvenile Delinquency Act, some of the cases are Reckless Imprudence

resulting to Damage to Property Reckless Imprudence resulting to Physical Injury and RA 9165

or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2002. This serious cases are the reason why we

conduct this research at Barangay Calaocan, Santiago City, to raise awareness about the issue and

to give information.

This research explores the complex relationship between family background and juvenile

delinquency, aiming to uncover how various elements of family life contribute to or mitigate the

risk of delinquent behavior. By analyzing factors such as parental involvement, economic

conditions, and family stability, this study seeks to enhance the understanding of juvenile crime’s

roots and provide insights for developing more effective prevention and intervention strategies.

Ultimately, the goal is to identify key family-related variables that can design targeted programs

to support at-risk youth and foster healthier, more resilient family environments.

Therefore, this research intends to identify the extent of juvenile delinquency and its

correlation with family background.

Statement of the Problem

This study aims to identify the influence of family background on juvenile delinquency.

Specifically, it seeks to answer the following question:

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 1. What is the socio-demographic profile of the respondents in terms of:

1.1. Sex;

1.2. Educational Background; and

1.3. Family type/Category?

2. What is the family background of the respondents in terms of:

2.1. Parental Involvement;

2.2. Economic Conditions; and

2.3. Family Stability?

3. What is the influence of family background on juvenile delinquency at Barangay Calaocan,

Santiago City, Isabela?

Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this study is to identify the influence of family background on

juvenile delinquency. Specifically, this aims to:

1. Identify the socio-demographic profile of the respondents in terms of:

1.1. Sex;

1.2. Educational Background; and

1.3. Family type/ Category.

2. Determine the family background of the respondents in terms of:

2.1. Parental Involvement;

2.2. Economic Conditions; and

2.3. Family Stability.

3. Find out the influence of family background on juvenile delinquency at Barangay Calaocan,

Santiago City, Isabela.

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Significance of the Study

This study provides essential insights into the influence of family background on

juvenile delinquency, contributing significantly to various fields and relevant stakeholders, as

follows:

Community. This study highlights how communities play a key role in shaping youth

behavior. By using these findings, communities can improve programs that promote positive

role models, instill values, and create a supportive environment, helping to steer young people

away from delinquent activities.

Policy Makers. The study provides guidance for government officials in creating

policies that address juvenile delinquency. It can help shape programs focused on family

support, mental health, and community development, ultimately working to reduce youth

crime rates.

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). NGO’s focused on youth development

and crime prevention can use these findings to design more targeted programs that address the

root causes of juvenile delinquency, especially in vulnerable communities.

Law Enforcement Agencies. The study offers valuable insights into what drives

juvenile delinquency, helping law enforcement take a more informed and proactive approach

when dealing with young offenders. This could lead to the development of community

policing strategies that focus on prevention and intervention rather than punishment.

Judicial System. Judges and juvenile justice professionals can gain a deeper

understanding of how family dynamics influence youth behavior. This knowledge can lead to

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 more rehabilitative sentencing options that involve family and community support, rather than

relying solely on punitive measures.

Educators and Schools. Teachers and school administrators can better understand how

family background impacts student behavior. By recognizing at-risk students early on, schools

can introduce intervention programs, offer counseling, and foster a supportive environment to

help prevent delinquency.

Family. The research underscores how crucial families are in preventing juvenile

delinquency, and this research study may enlighten them on the effects of family background

on the occurrence of status offenses.

Criminology Students. This study offers them a valuable insights into the causes of

juvenile delinquency, sparking fresh ideas for academic discussions. It equips them with the

knowledge to find innovative ways to prevent youth crime and support rehabilitation.

The Researchers. By conducting this study, the researchers gain a richer understanding

of the various factors driving juvenile delinquency. This knowledge can fuel both academic

contributions and practical strategies for addressing youth crime at community and policy

levels.

Future Researchers. This study can be a basis to dig deeper into the link between

family background and youth behavior. It lays a strong foundation for exploring new

approaches to juvenile crime in the field of criminology.

Scope and Delimitation of the Study

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 The primary goal of this study is to determine the influence of family background on

juvenile delinquency. A total of 10 respondents, identified as status offenders but already 18 years

old and above at the time of the conduct of this study, are included through purposive sampling.

Including status offenders is essential in this study in view of the fact that they are juveniles who

break rules, like skipping school or running away from home, etc. This study will be conducted

during the School Year 2024-2025. This research will be conducted at Barangay Calaocan,

Santiago City, selected for its number of juvenile delinquency cases despite the efforts to deter

them.

Definition of Terms

The following terms were operationally and conceptually defined to give clearer

understanding of the research:

Child in Conflict with the Law (CICL). A child alleged or adjudged to have committed

an offense under Philippine law. These children undergo legal proceedings designed for their age

and focus on rehabilitation and reintegration.

Crime. An action or omission that violates public law and is punishable by the legal

system. In juvenile cases, crime is viewed through a lens of rehabilitation rather than punishment.

Criminal. A person found guilty of an offense by final judgment. For juveniles, the term

"delinquent" is used, and the focus is on rehabilitation rather than punishment.

Delinquency. The failure to perform a legal duty or act required by law. It often involves

behaviors violating societal norms, leading to law enforcement intervention.

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 Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). The primary government

agency responsible for developing, implementing, and coordinating social protection and poverty-

reduction solutions for and with the poor, vulnerable, and disadvantaged.

Economic Conditions. Refer to a family’s financial status, which can affect access to

resources like housing, education, health care, and extracurricular activities.

Family. The basic unit of society responsible for raising children. It plays a key role in

imparting values and norms that shape behavior.

Family Background. Encompasses a child's socioeconomic status, family structure, and

overall environment. It influences a child's development, values, and decision-making.

Family Stability. Refers to the consistency and structure within the family unit. This

includes factors like the presence of both parents (or stable caregivers), emotional support,

financial security, healthy communication, and conflict resolution. Family stability often

contributes to a child’s sense of security and well-being.

Family Disruption. Refers to the breakdown, separation, or disintegration of family

structures. It involves situations where family members lose connection or cohesion due to various

factors such as divorce, abandonment, death, or prolonged separation.

Financial Strain. The pressure that comes from economic difficulties, such as having

trouble paying for basic needs or making ends meet.

Juvenile. A person under the legal age of adulthood who may be treated differently from

adults under the law, with an emphasis on rehabilitation within the juvenile justice system.

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 Juvenile Delinquency. Any behavior by a juvenile that violates legal or social norms,

ranging from minor offenses to serious crimes. It is addressed through systems that prioritize

rehabilitation.

Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006. The Philippine law provides a legal

framework for managing children at risk and children in conflict with the law, emphasizing

restorative justice and child protection.

Parental Involvement. Refers to the degree to which parents engage in their children’s

lives, including their education, social activities, emotional well-being, and providing guidance or

support in making good decisions.

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