Juvenile Delinquency from the Lens of Social Workers: A Descriptive Inquiry

This qualitative-descriptive study explored the viewpoints and insights of social workers at Regional Rehabilitation Center for youth in Region XII on what influences and drives juvenile delinquency. Four social workers who specialize in Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL) cases at the Regional Rehabilitation Centre for Youth (RRCY) XII were chosen as key informants for the study using purposive sampling. Semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions from a researcher-developed guide were used to gather data. The data was analysed using thematic analysis. The results showed that a variety of life experiences, such as family instability, peer pressure, personal struggles, poverty, and tolerance in the community, interact intricately contribute to juvenile delinquency as perceived by social workers. The study emphasized the negative effects of unstable families and a lack of community support, underscoring the necessity of all-encompassing rehabilitation strategies that give top priority to robust support networks, psychosocial counselling, educational and recreational opportunities, and customized programs that address underlying problems. Social worker insights highlighted the value of social workers as positive role models, the necessity of more robust institutional services, ethical and professional case management, and a selfless approach to rehabilitation. This study offers a roadmap for future research and practice to enhance prevention and rehabilitation tactics for young offenders in South Cotabato.