FACTORS INFLUENCING THE CHILD IN CONFLICT WITH THE LAW (CICL) IN BARANGAY 186 CALOOCAN CITY: BASIS FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

Abstract

The study aims to explore the factors leading children in conflict with the law (CICL) to engage in criminal activities within Barangay 186, Caloocan City. Understanding these factors is crucial for developing targeted interventions to prevent juvenile delinquency and promote the well-being of youth in the community. In the Philippines, a "child in conflict with the law" refers to a person under 18 years of age who is alleged to have committed an offense. The Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006 (Republic Act No. 9344) sets the minimum age of criminal responsibility at 15, meaning children below this age are exempt from criminal liability. ​   Demographic Context of Barangay 186:  Barangay 186 is one of the 188 barangays in Caloocan City, located in the National Capital Region (NCR) of the Philippines. According to the 2020 Census, the barangay has a population of 25,346, representing 1.53% of Caloocan City's total population. Notably, the age group 5 to 9 years comprises 2,276 individuals, highlighting a significant youth demographic. ​ phl.postcodebase.com  Potential Contributing Factors to Juvenile Delinquency in Barangay 186:  Family Environment:  Children from families with histories of criminal behavior or inadequate supervision may be more susceptible to engaging in similar activities.​ Community Influence:  Exposure to peers involved in criminal acts or witnessing such activities can normalize delinquent behavior for youths.​ Educational Opportunities:  Limited access to quality education can lead to ignorance of legal boundaries and the potential consequences of criminal actions.​ Economic Conditions:  Economic hardships may drive youths toward criminal activities as a perceived means of financial support.​ Existing Legal Provisions and Challenges:  The Revised Rule on Children in Conflict with the Law emphasizes handling CICL cases within a family environment whenever possible, separating the child from parents only when necessary for the child's welfare or public safety. However, challenges persist, as some CICL continue to be placed in detention centers, indicating gaps in the juvenile justice system's implementation. ​  Recommendations for Further Research:  Community Engagement:  Conduct interviews with local residents, barangay officials, and law enforcement to gather insights on prevalent issues leading to youth delinquency.​ Data Analysis:  Examine local crime statistics to identify patterns and common offenses among minors.​ Collaboration with Social Services:  Work with child welfare organizations to understand existing support systems and assess their effectiveness.​ By investigating these areas, your study can provide a comprehensive understanding of the underlying causes of juvenile delinquency in Barangay 186, Caloocan City, and inform strategies to address and prevent such behaviors, ultimately fostering a safer and more supportive environment for the youth. The study employed a descriptive research design to systematically examine the factors influencing children in conflict with the law (CICL) in Barangay 186, Caloocan City. A purposive sampling technique was utilized to select 25 residents and 25 barangay personnel, totaling 50 participants. This non-probability sampling method was chosen to ensure that individuals with specific characteristics pertinent to the study's objectives were included, thereby enriching the data quality. ​   Data were collected using structured survey questionnaires, administered to both residents and barangay personnel. The responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics:​  Frequency and Percentage: These measures were used to count and express the occurrence of specific responses, providing a clear picture of the distribution of certain characteristics or opinions within the sample. ​  Weighted Mean: This statistical tool was employed to determine the average response, giving appropriate weight to varying levels of agreement or importance among the participants. ​  By integrating these analytical methods, your research effectively interpreted the collected data, offering valuable insights into the factors contributing to juvenile delinquency in the community. The findings underscore the significant influence of peer pressure, poor educational backgrounds, substance abuse, and lack of parental guidance on juvenile delinquency. To address these challenges, the following targeted interventions are recommended:​  Promote Positive Peer Associations:  Facilitate the formation of peer groups that encourage healthy behaviors, academic excellence, and positive social interactions. Research indicates that peer relationships can significantly influence youth behavior, making positive peer interactions crucial in preventing delinquency. ​ Enhance Educational Engagement:  Implement programs aimed at reducing school dropout rates and preventing criminal involvement. Studies have found that youths with positive attitudes toward education are less likely to engage in delinquent behavior. ​ Implement Substance Abuse Prevention Initiatives:  Introduce community-based programs that educate youth about the dangers of substance abuse and provide support systems to resist peer pressure. Such interventions are vital, especially for families at heightened risk for both parental substance involvement and youth delinquency. ​  Strengthen Parental Guidance and Family Support:  Offer parenting workshops and counseling services to equip parents with effective communication and supervision skills. Parental involvement and supervision are protective factors against youth delinquency. ​ By implementing these measures, communities can create supportive environments that deter youth from engaging in criminal activities and promote their overall well-being. The findings underscore the importance for barangay personnel and residents of Barangay 186, Caloocan City, to comprehend the underlying causes of youth involvement in criminal activities. Understanding these factors is crucial for developing effective youth development programs tailored to the community's unique challenges.​  Demographic Overview:  Population Growth: Barangay 186 has experienced significant growth, with its population increasing from 7,872 in 1990 to 25,346 in 2020, reflecting a positive growth rate of 3.36% over the 30-year period. ​ philatlas.com Challenges with Juvenile Delinquency:  Recent Incidents: There have been instances of minors engaging in disruptive behaviors, such as riots following religious events. For example, a riot involving minors occurred after the Simbang Gabi Mass at Saint Gabriel the Archangel Parish, highlighting the need for targeted interventions. ​  Recommended Interventions:  Educational Support: Implement programs aimed at reducing school dropout rates and preventing criminal involvement. Studies have found that youths with positive attitudes toward education are less likely to engage in delinquent behavior.​ Community-Based Rehabilitation: Establish initiatives that provide support systems to resist peer pressure and educate youth about the dangers of substance abuse. Such interventions are vital in preventing youth from engaging in criminal activities.​ Family Counseling Services: Offer workshops and counseling to equip parents with effective communication and supervision skills. Parental involvement and supervision are protective factors against youth delinquency.​ By implementing these measures, Barangay 186 can foster a supportive environment that deters youth from engaging in criminal activities and promotes their overall well-being.