Developing Local Youth Justice Programs through the Implementation of Curfew

Authors

  • Rajna Coleen Carrasco

Keywords:

Juvenile, Curfew, innovative Development

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Youthful crimes are not new in human affairs, but the growing number of criminal acts done by juvenile delinquents is very alarming. Santa Rosa, Laguna is known to have a wide range of crime incidents which is commonly happening during night time. The curfew in Santa Rosa, Laguna was implemented in 2003 to all barangays. However, not all areas are obeying the policy or implementing it properly. Thus, this research aims to know the innovation in the development of the implementation of curfew in selected areas of Santa Rosa and be able to propose a way to improve the ordinance in the city.

METHODS

A mixed-methods design was used. Using a sequential transformative strategy, the researcher conducted this research in the nine barangays of Santa Rosa, Laguna. Thirty -three participants, which included the parents, minors, and store owners, responded to a set of semi-structured interview questions and ten barangay officials responded to a set of survey questionnaires. The answers in survey questionnaires were measured through statistical tests, using weighted mean and the responses in interview guide questionnaires were interpreted using coding analysis.

RESULTS

Most barangays in Santa Rosa, Laguna used information dissemination as the strategy in the implementation of curfew. Adjustment of time and punishments were the most effective strategies in the implementation of curfew in the selected areas. There was a progressive development in the implementation from 2011 to 2018 because based on the records in the women's desk, the juvenile crime rates involving minors are decreasing every year. This signifies that the implementation of curfew was effective to discipline the minors of the city of Santa Rosa, Laguna. A curfew is justified to reduce opportunities for teenagers to commit crimes same as to become crime victims. The measure also protected minors away from fraternity and gang wars. It also lessens drug rates in the city.

DISCUSSIONS

The results demonstrate the innovative development of the implementation of curfew. The mandatory rule is needed to be continuous. The women's desk must continue monitoring the juvenile crime rates while the barangay officials need to assure that the implementation of curfew are progressing and crime rates are surely dropping every year. Other barangays are recommended to innovate their strategies to have an effective policy in the curfew. The techniques covered by this study from the nine barangays can be a basis to other implementers.

Published

2019-01-18