Acknowledgement

The successful completion of this study would not have been possible without the assistance
and cooperation of a number of persons. Consequently, this researcher would like to thank the
residents of Westchester Community for their massive support and valuable time spent on
answering the questionnaires.
Members of my family have also been a constant source of encouragement and assistance.
Thanks to my parents for relieving me of my household chores while I engaged in this
exercise.
Finally, special thanks go to my teacher who guided me through every stage of this exercise.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

What are the factors which accounts for the juvenile delinquency in my
community?

Introduction
Windsor Heights is a small community situated in Westchester, in the Sunshine City of
Portmore, St. Catherine, Jamaica, West Indies.

Method of Investigation
In order to carry out this exercise, I have decided to use the questionnaire method of data
collection. This method of data collection has a number of advantages. These include:

It requires little time for completion.

It can be done at the convenience of the person completing the questionnaire.

It guarantees confidentiality because the respondents are not required to write their
names on it.

Procedure Used to Collect Data

A total of 20 questionnaires were prepared for distribution to the villagers. It was expected that
at least fifteen of them would have returned.
The process of random selection was carried out. Each house was given one questionnaire but
in instances where members were not at home; the questionnaires were passed to the next
house.

Presentation and Explanation of Data

A total of 20 questionnaires were distributed to the villagers; out of which 15 were returned. Of
these 60% were males and 40% were females.

Pie graph showing the percentage of males and females

females
40%
males
60%

males
females

Bar graph showing how long respondent reside in the community

60%
50%
40%

Percentage

30%
20%
10%
0%
1-5 yrs

6-10 yrs

over 10 yrs

Responses

From the bar chart above it can be seen that 55% of the respondents reside in the community
for over 10 years; 35% for 6- 10 years while 10% are living in the community for 1 5 years.

Donut graph showing the consequencies of juvenile delinquencies

20%
28%

get involved in gambling

become drug abusers
use obscene language

become sexually active

30%

22%

The donut chart above shows that 20% of the teens get involved in gambling; 28% sexual
activities; 22% use of obscene language; while 30% become drug abusers.

Findings
On completion of the survey, the study revealed a number of things. These include:
A juvenile become delinquent and roam the streets from a tender age. Some even face
sexual and mental abuse on the streets and some even become involved in crime and
violence.
About 40% of the respondents stated that majority of these children was either
abandoned by their parents or caregivers; or ran away from home. Some (60%) were
orphans.
Juvenile delinquency is both a mental and physical problem.

INTERPRETATION OF DATA

RECOMMENDATIONS AND SUGGESTION

Upon completion of this study, this researcher would like to make two suggestions. These are:
The community based organizations such as churches and civic groups could embark
on a joint social programme aimed at targeting juvenile delinquents and filter them in
more constructive areas.
Parents could also be targeted to become more aware of what is affecting their children
and the signs to look for in determining when their children would likely fall into the
category of juvenile delinquents.
This researcher would be comfortable in having parenting seminars with emphasis on juvenile
delinquencies. Children advocacy groups and other similar organizations could be invited to
invited to participate in educating the parents of the community.

QUESTIONNAIRE
Sex:

Male [ ]

Female [ ]

What is your occupation?

____________________________________________________

To which ethnic group do you belong?

African descent

[ ]

Chinese descent

[ ]

Indian descent

[ ]

Mixed descent

[ ]

1.

How long have you been living in the community?

2.

1-5 years

[ ]

6-10 years

[ ]

over 10 years

[ ]

What are the causes of juvenile delinquency?

Peer pressure

[ ]

Low self esteem [ ]

Lack of attention [ ]
Disobedience
3.

[ ]

What are some of the activities that juvenile delinquent children face or get involved
in?
Drug abuse

[ ]

Becoming addicted to sexual activity

They use a lot of obscene language

[ ]

They become gamblers

[ ]

4.

What are some of the consequences of a child being delinquent?

Drop out of school

[ ]

Parents dont give them as much attention

[ ]

Family members lives are put at risk

[ ]

Others ________________________________________________________________
5.

6.

What are the causes of juvenile delinquency?

Because there is not enough community activities

[ ]

There is not sufficient schools in the community

[ ]

There is no one to talk to them apart from their parents

[ ]

Juvenile delinquents are made, not born?

Do you agree with the above statement?

7.

Strongly agreed

Agreed

[ ]

Strongly disagreed

[ ]

Disagreed

[ ]

Neither

[ ]

Do you think that they are aware of what they are doing to their lives?
Yes

[ ]

No

[ ]

Others ___________________________________________________________
8.

What can be done to reduce the level of juvenile delinquency?

Build a community center for teenagers

[ ]

Provide more jobs in the community

[ ]

Build more schools

[ ]

Others __________________________________________________________

9.

10.

Does family have a role to play in curbing juvenile delinquency?

Yes

[ ]

No

[ ]

Large role

[ ]

Small role

[ ]

What can be done in schools to prevent juvenile delinquency?

Encourage interaction

[ ]

Improved curriculum

[ ]

Introduce more social programmes

[ ]

Others

[ ]