FAMILY AS A CONTRIBUTORY FACTORS TO CHILD IN CONFLICT WITH THE LAW IN BARANGAY KALYE 7 LAWANG BATO VALENZUELA CITY

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of family dynamics on child delinquency in Barangay Kalye 7, Lawang Bato, Valenzuela City. It reveals that children from dysfunctional families, marked by neglect, abuse, or inconsistent discipline, are more likely to engage in delinquent behavior. Conversely, consistent parental guidance and a nurturing home environment significantly reduce this risk. The goal of the research is to identify the root causes of juvenile misconduct within the community and provide recommendations to help shape effective crime prevention policies. This study adopts a quantitative-descriptive design to investigate the influence of family-related factors on child delinquency in Barangay Kalye 7, Lawang Bato, Valenzuela City. A total of 50 respondents—including 35 parents, 10 personnel from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and 5 officers from the Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD)—were selected using a combination of random and purposive sampling. Data were gathered through a structured survey instrument covering demographic profiles, family dynamics, and preventive interventions. The collected data will be analyzed using statistical tools such as frequency distribution, percentage, weighted mean, and a four-point Likert scale to interpret the extent of family influence on juvenile behavior. The study uncovers critical factors contributing to juvenile delinquency in Barangay Kalye 7, Lawang Bato, Valenzuela City. The majority of respondents, 42% aged 34 to 41 and 60% female, identified inadequate parental supervision as the most prevalent issue, primarily due to parents being frequently absent because of work commitments. This lack of presence was closely associated with increased risk of child delinquency. Additional contributing factors included unemployment and limited access to skills training, which hindered parental capacity to support and guide their children. Authoritarian parenting practices, especially those involving physical punishment, were also found to negatively impact child behavior. Strained parent-child relationships were perceived as a major challenge in deterring youth from gang involvement and other delinquent behaviors. Notably, 79% of respondents cited lack of supervision as the dominant issue, while 40% reported family criminal involvement and ineffective parenting styles. In response, 40% of participants recommended parenting seminars and counseling services, while 38% advocated for training in anger management and conflict resolution to help parents manage their roles more effectively. The study found that most respondents in Barangay Kalye 7, Lawang Bato, Valenzuela City were women aged 34 to 41, predominantly college graduates. Key findings pointed to family-related factors contributing to juvenile delinquency, such as the absence of parental supervision, limited access to education, the use of physical punishment as a disciplinary method, and poor parent-child relationships. Among these, the lack of consistent supervision emerged as the most critical concern. To address these issues, the study recommends the implementation of targeted parenting programs, the provision of cognitive-behavioral and family therapy, the promotion of restorative justice practices through community service, and ongoing capacity-building initiatives for those working with children at risk. These interventions aim to strengthen family dynamics and reduce youth involvement in delinquent behavior.