Part 1: Fundamentals of Juvenile Delinquency and Justice
1. In the context of Philippine law, a person who is 17 years old and has
committed an offense is referred to as a:
A. Minor delinquent
B. Young offender
C. Child in Conflict with the Law (CICL)
D. Child at Risk (CAR)
Answer: C Rationale: RA 9344 (Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act) uses
the term "Child in Conflict with the Law" to refer to a child who is
alleged as, accused of, or adjudged as, having committed an offense
under Philippine laws.
2. What is the minimum age of criminal responsibility in the Philippines as
per RA 9344, as amended by RA 10630?
A. 9 years old B. 12 years old C. 15 years old D. 18 years old
Answer: C Rationale: Section 6 of RA 9344, as amended by RA
10630, states that a child fifteen (15) years of age or under at the time
of the commission of the offense shall be exempt from criminal
liability.
3. A child who is 14 years old commits theft. Under RA 9344, this child is:
A. Criminally liable and will be prosecuted.
B. Exempt from criminal liability and will be released without
intervention.
C. Exempt from criminal liability but shall be subjected to an
intervention program.
D. Subject to full adult penalties.
Answer: C Rationale: Children 15 years old and below are exempt
from criminal liability but are mandated to undergo an "intervention
program" supervised by the DSWD or LSWDO, as per Section 6 of RA
9344.
4. Which concept refers to the capacity of a child to understand the
wrongfulness of his/her act and the consequences thereof?
A. Volition B. Motive C. Discernment D. Intent
Answer: C Rationale: Discernment is the crucial element determined
for children above 15 but below 18 years old to ascertain criminal
liability. It refers to the ability to distinguish right from wrong and
understand the consequences of one's actions.
5. What is the primary objective of the Philippine Juvenile Justice and
Welfare System?
A. To impose strict penalties on juvenile offenders.
B. To ensure punitive justice for crimes committed by minors.
C. To promote the well-being and best interest of the child through
rehabilitation and reintegration.
D. To transfer all juvenile cases to adult courts.
Answer: C Rationale: RA 9344 is founded on the principles of
restorative justice and the "best interest of the child," prioritizing
rehabilitation and reintegration over punishment.
6. Which government agency is mandated to lead in the implementation
of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act?
A. Department of Justice (DOJ)
B. Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)
C. Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
D. Philippine National Police (PNP)
Answer: C Rationale: The DSWD is the lead agency, providing social
services and overseeing intervention and rehabilitation programs for
children in conflict with the law.
7. A child who is habitually truant from school or frequently violates
curfew ordinances is considered a:
A. Child in Conflict with the Law (CICL) B. Child at Risk (CAR) C. Juvenile
delinquent D. Status offender
Answer: B Rationale: While these are "status offenses," RA 9344
labels children who commit such acts, or are in circumstances that put
them at risk of committing offenses, as "Children at Risk." The term
"status offender" is a general criminological term for acts that would
not be crimes if committed by adults.
8. What is the main purpose of "diversion" under RA 9344?
A. To subject the child to formal court proceedings immediately.
B. To provide an alternative, child-appropriate process of determining
responsibility and treatment without resorting to judicial proceedings.
C. To send the child directly to a correctional facility.
D. To impose a custodial sentence on the child.
Answer: B Rationale: Diversion is a key feature, aimed at keeping
children out of the formal court system, especially for minor offenses,
and providing community-based interventions.
9. Upon apprehension of a child in conflict with the law, how soon must
the law enforcement officer turn over the child to the Local Social
Welfare and Development Officer (LSWDO)?
A. Within 24 hours B. Within 12 hours C. Within 8 hours D.
Immediately, but not later than 8 hours
Answer: D Rationale: Section 21 of RA 9344 explicitly states: "The
law enforcement officer shall immediately, and not later than eight (8)
hours from the time of apprehension, turn over the child to the local
social welfare and development officer."
10. Which court has exclusive original jurisdiction over cases
involving Children in Conflict with the Law?
A. Municipal Trial Court B. Regional Trial Court C. Family Court D.
Court of Appeals
Answer: C Rationale: Republic Act No. 8369, known as "The Family
Courts Act of 1997," grants Family Courts exclusive jurisdiction over
cases involving children.
Part 2: Theories of Juvenile Delinquency
11. This theory suggests that delinquency occurs when individuals'
ties to conventional society are weakened or broken.
A. Strain Theory B. Social Control Theory C. Differential Association
Theory
D. Labeling Theory
Answer: B Rationale: Social Control Theory (e.g., Hirschi) posits that
strong social bonds (attachment, commitment, involvement, belief)
prevent individuals from engaging in deviant behavior.
12. According to Robert Merton's Strain Theory, which adaptation
involves accepting societal goals but rejecting legitimate means to
achieve them, often leading to criminal behavior?
A. Conformity B. Innovation C. Ritualism D. Retreatism
Answer: B Rationale: Innovation describes individuals who accept
societal goals (e.g., wealth) but use illegitimate or illegal means to
achieve them when legitimate means are blocked.
13. The idea that criminal behavior, including delinquency, is learned
through interaction with others, especially within intimate personal
groups, is central to which theory?
A. Social Disorganization Theory B. Differential Association Theory C.
Anomie Theory D. Rational Choice Theory
Answer: B Rationale: Edwin Sutherland's Differential Association
Theory is a social learning theory of deviance, emphasizing that
criminal behavior is learned through social interaction.
14. Which theory posits that delinquency is a result of negative
interactions and experiences with the justice system, where being
labeled as a "delinquent" can lead to further deviant behavior?
A. Conflict Theory B. Social Control Theory C. Labeling Theory D.
Routine Activities Theory
Answer: C Rationale: Labeling Theory focuses on how societal
reactions, particularly the application of deviant labels, can lead to
secondary deviance and a self-fulfilling prophecy.
15. This theory explains delinquency as a consequence of living in
socially disorganized areas characterized by poverty, high population
turnover, and lack of social cohesion.
A. Trait Theory B. Social Disorganization Theory C. General Strain
Theory D. Cultural Deviance Theory
Answer: B Rationale: Social Disorganization Theory links crime rates,
including delinquency, to the structural and ecological characteristics
of neighborhoods, such as poverty and residential instability.
16. What is the "age-crime curve" in criminology?
A. The curve showing the increasing severity of crimes with age.
B. The observation that crime rates generally peak in late
adolescence/early adulthood and decline thereafter.
C. The relationship between age and the type of crime committed.
D. The curve indicating the probability of being arrested at different
ages.
Answer: B Rationale: The age-crime curve is a consistent finding in
criminology, showing that criminal activity typically increases through
adolescence, peaks in late teens/early twenties, and then decreases
with age ("aging out").
17. Which of the following is considered a "risk factor" for juvenile
delinquency?
A. Strong parental attachment B. Academic success C.
Exposure to delinquent peers D. Involvement in pro-social activities
Answer: C Rationale: Risk factors are variables that increase the
likelihood of engaging in delinquent behavior. Exposure to delinquent
peers is a well-established risk factor.
18. The idea that individuals make rational decisions to commit
crimes after weighing the potential benefits and costs is associated
with which school of thought?
A. Positivist School B. Classical School C. Chicago School D. Critical
School
Answer: B Rationale: The Classical School, with its emphasis on free
will and rational choice, underlies the Rational Choice Theory, which
applies this idea to criminal behavior.
19. How might a "broken home" contribute to juvenile delinquency
from a social control theory perspective?
A. It increases economic strain on the child.
B. It weakens social bonds, particularly attachment to parents and
involvement in conventional activities.
C. It provides opportunities for learning deviant behaviors.
D. It leads to labeling by authorities.
Answer: B Rationale: Social control theory emphasizes that strong
family bonds act as a deterrent to delinquency. A "broken home" can
weaken these bonds, reducing informal social control.
20. Which theory suggests that delinquency arises from a child's
inability to internalize conventional norms and values due to a lack of
proper socialization?
A. Cultural Deviance Theory B. Social Control Theory C. Conflict Theory
D. Strain Theory
Answer: B Rationale: Social Control Theory highlights the
importance of socialization and internalizing societal norms in
preventing deviance. A failure in this process can lead to delinquency.
Part 3: Processes and Interventions under RA 9344
21. For a child who is 16 years old at the time of the commission of
an offense, what is the crucial factor to be determined for criminal
liability?
A. Whether the child is married or not.
B. Whether the child has a high IQ.
C. Whether the child acted with discernment.
D. Whether the child is a first-time offender.
Answer: C Rationale: For children above 15 but below 18, the
determination of discernment is legally required to establish criminal
liability.
22. What is the purpose of the initial contact and assessment
conducted by the LSWDO upon receipt of a CICL?
A. To formally charge the child in court.
B. To determine whether the child is indeed a CICL and to assess the
appropriate intervention or diversion program.
C. To immediately place the child in a detention facility.
D. To conduct a full custodial investigation.
Answer: B Rationale: The initial assessment is critical for
determining the child's age, circumstances, and whether diversion or
further judicial proceedings are appropriate, all while keeping the
child's best interest in mind.
23. When can a child in conflict with the law be subjected to a
preliminary investigation by the prosecutor?
A. Always, regardless of the offense.
B. Only if the child is 15 years old and below.
C. If the child is above 15 but below 18, and the imposable penalty for
the offense is six (6) years or more of imprisonment.
D. If the child is a habitual delinquent.
Answer: C Rationale: Section 27 of RA 9344 specifies that a
preliminary investigation is conducted for children above 15 but below
18 if the imposable penalty is six years or more and discernment is
present.
24. What is a "Bahay Pag-asa"?
A. A temporary shelter for street children.
B. A correctional facility for adult female offenders.
C. A youth care facility established by LGUs for CICL undergoing
intervention or rehabilitation.
D. A school for children with special needs.
Answer: C Rationale: "Bahay Pag-asa" centers are specifically
established under RA 9344 to provide temporary custody and
intervention programs for CICL.
25. The confidentiality of records and proceedings involving a CICL is
a vital provision of RA 9344. Why is this important?
A. To allow the child to avoid accountability.
B. To prevent public shaming and stigmatization, thereby promoting
the child's rehabilitation and reintegration.
C. To protect the identity of law enforcement officers.
D. To keep the family's involvement a secret.
Answer: B Rationale: Protecting the child's identity is paramount to
ensuring they are not permanently branded as a criminal, which could
impede their successful return to society.
26. Which of the following is NOT a right of a Child in Conflict with
the Law under RA 9344?
A. The right to be presumed innocent.
B. The right to be informed of the charges in a language understood by
them.
C. The right to be detained in an adult facility if no Bahay Pag-asa is
available.
D. The right to privacy.
Answer: C Rationale: RA 9344 explicitly prohibits the detention of
CICL in adult facilities.
27. What is the role of the Barangay Council for the Protection of
Children (BCPC) in handling CICL cases?
A. To conduct full criminal investigations.
B. To implement initial diversion programs for minor offenses.
C. To impose severe penalties on juvenile offenders.
D. To transfer all cases directly to the police.
Answer: B Rationale: The BCPC plays a crucial role in immediate
response and in implementing initial diversion programs for minor
offenses at the community level.
28. If a child in conflict with the law escapes from a Bahay Pag-asa,
what action should be taken?
A. The child is immediately considered an adult criminal.
B. The child should be subjected to harsher penalties.
C. The child should be apprehended and returned to the facility, with
the LSWDO informed.
D. The child is abandoned, and no further action is taken.
Answer: C Rationale: An escape does not change the child's status.
They should be returned to the proper facility, and their case managed
under RA 9344.
29. What is the significance of the "Comprehensive Case Study
Report" prepared by the LSWDO for a CICL?
A. It serves as the primary evidence for conviction.
B. It is a tool for assessing the child's background, needs, and
recommending the most appropriate intervention plan.
C. It determines the child's criminal intent.
D. It is used to justify the child's long-term detention.
Answer: B Rationale: The Comprehensive Case Study Report is a
holistic assessment that guides decisions regarding diversion,
intervention, and disposition, focusing on the child's welfare.
30. Which of the following is the final stage in the juvenile justice
process if a child's case proceeds to court and they are found
responsible?
A. Acquittal B. Prosecution C. Disposition D. Arrest
Answer: C Rationale: "Disposition" is the equivalent of sentencing in
the adult system, where the court determines the appropriate
intervention or rehabilitation plan for the child.
Part 4: Specific Provisions and Implementation Challenges
31. Republic Act No. 10630 primarily amended RA 9344 by:
A. Lowering the minimum age of criminal responsibility.
B. Raising the minimum age of criminal responsibility to 18.
C. Clarifying provisions related to children committing serious offenses
and mandating the establishment of Bahay Pag-asa facilities.
D. Shifting the focus from rehabilitation to punishment.
Answer: C Rationale: RA 10630 strengthened RA 9344, notably by
making provisions for children who repeatedly commit serious offenses
and ensuring the establishment and proper functioning of Bahay Pag-
asa.
32. If a child 17 years old commits an offense punishable by
reclusion perpetua (life imprisonment), and it is determined that
he/she acted with discernment, what is the proper judicial disposition?
A. The child shall be committed to a Bahay Pag-asa for intervention.
B. The child shall be transferred to an adult prison immediately.
C. The child shall undergo the regular judicial process, but the
sentence will be suspended, and the child committed to a youth facility
until 21 years old.
D. The child shall be exempted from criminal liability.
Answer: C Rationale: For serious offenses with discernment, the
case proceeds to court. If found guilty, the sentence is suspended, and
the child is committed to a youth care facility until 21, as per Section
38 of RA 9344.
33. What is the role of the DILG in the implementation of RA 9344?
A. To manage all Bahay Pag-asa facilities.
B. To supervise LGUs in establishing and maintaining youth care
facilities and ensuring the proper handling of CICL by law enforcement.
C. To provide legal aid to CICL.
D. To conduct research on juvenile delinquency.
Answer: B Rationale: The DILG oversees local government units,
ensuring their compliance with the mandate to establish Bahay Pag-
asa and that police properly handle CICL.
34. A child who has repeatedly committed offenses and has been
through diversion or intervention programs multiple times is
considered a/an:
A. First-time offender B. Chronic delinquent C. Child at Risk D.
Mentally incapacitated child
Answer: B Rationale: A "chronic delinquent" is a term used to
describe a child who has a persistent pattern of offending behavior.
35. What is the purpose of the "aftercare and reintegration program"
for a child who has completed an intervention program in a Bahay Pag-
asa?
A. To continuously detain the child.
B. To monitor the child's return to the community and prevent
recidivism by providing ongoing support.
C. To impose additional penalties on the child.
D. To ensure the child remains isolated from their family.
Answer: B Rationale: Aftercare programs are crucial for facilitating a
smooth and successful transition back into the family and community,
providing continued support to minimize the risk of re-offending.
36. Which of the following is an example of a community-based
intervention program for CICL?
A. Incarceration in a national penitentiary.
B. Counseling services, skills training, and community service
implemented locally.
C. Solitary confinement in a detention cell.
D. Transfer to an adult correctional facility.
Answer: B Rationale: Community-based programs focus on
interventions within the child's natural environment, leveraging local
resources and support systems.
37. The principle of "minimum intervention" in juvenile justice
means:
A. Intervening only when the child commits the most serious crimes.
B. Utilizing the least restrictive and least intrusive measures necessary
for the child's welfare and rehabilitation.
C. Avoiding any intervention for juvenile offenders.
D. Allowing the child to be disciplined by their parents without state
interference.
Answer: B Rationale: Minimum intervention promotes the idea of
keeping children out of the formal system whenever possible and using
community-based, non-custodial options.
38. Which document serves as the primary basis for determining the
age of a child in conflict with the law?
A. School records B. Birth Certificate C. Affidavit of a witness D. Police
report
Answer: B Rationale: A birth certificate is the most reliable legal
document for establishing a person's age.
39. If a child above 15 but below 18 is found to have committed a
crime without discernment, what happens to the case?
A. The child is criminally liable but with a lower penalty.
B. The child is still subject to an intervention program, as if they were
15 years old or below.
C. The case is dismissed, and no action is taken.
D. The child is immediately released to their parents without any
program.
Answer: B Rationale: If discernment is not proven for children 15-18,
they are treated similarly to those 15 and below, meaning they are
exempt from criminal liability but still subject to intervention.
40. What is the role of the police officer during the initial contact
with a child in conflict with the law?
A. To conduct a full custodial interrogation.
B. To immediately inform the child of his/her rights and turn over the
child to the LSWDO.
C. To detain the child in the nearest police station.
D. To determine the child's guilt or innocence.
Answer: B Rationale: Law enforcement's role is to ensure the child's
rights are protected and to facilitate their transfer to the appropriate
social welfare authority.
41. What is the maximum period a child can remain in a Bahay Pag-
asa if the case is still pending in court?
A.Six months B.One year C. The period of detention should be as
short as possible and limited to what is strictly necessary. D. Until
the child reaches 18 years old.
Answer: C Rationale: RA 9344 emphasizes that detention should be
a measure of last resort and for the shortest appropriate period.
Prolonged detention is discouraged.
42. Which of the following is an example of a "protective factor"
against juvenile delinquency?
A. Negative peer influence B. Substance abuse in the family C.
Strong parental guidance and supervision D. Exposure to violence in
the community
Answer: C Rationale: Protective factors are positive influences that
mitigate the risk of delinquency.
43. The "United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child"
(UNCRC) is significant to RA 9344 because:
A. It is the primary law superseding RA 9344.
B. It serves as the guiding international legal framework upon which RA
9344 is largely based.
C. It dictates the age of criminal responsibility for all member states.
D. It focuses solely on punishing child offenders.
Answer: B Rationale: The UNCRC provides the international
standards and principles for the treatment of children, especially those
in conflict with the law, which the Philippines, as a signatory,
incorporates into its domestic laws like RA 9344.
44. Which of the following is a primary goal of a "diversion program"
for a CICL?
A. To impose a severe fine on the child.
B. To provide rehabilitation and address the child's needs without
formal judicial proceedings.
C. To permanently remove the child from their family.
D. To assign the child to forced labor.
Answer: B Rationale: Diversion aims for rehabilitation and avoids the
negative impacts of formal court involvement.
45. Who among the following is mandated to establish and maintain
"Bahay Pag-asa" facilities?
A. National government agencies only.
B. Local Government Units (LGUs)
C. Private corporations
D. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) alone
Answer: B Rationale: RA 9344 mandates LGUs to establish and
manage Bahay Pag-asa facilities.
Part 5: Role of Criminologists and General Principles
46. How can criminologists contribute to evidence-based policy
making in juvenile justice? A. By advocating for politically popular but
ineffective policies.
B. By conducting rigorous research on the effectiveness of intervention
programs and identifying best practices.
C. By focusing solely on theoretical debates without practical
application.
D. By implementing programs without prior evaluation.
Answer: B Rationale: Criminologists' expertise in research and
evaluation is crucial for developing and implementing effective,
evidence-based programs and policies in juvenile justice.
47. The concept of "restorative justice" emphasizes:
A. Punishment and retribution for the offender.
B. Repairing the harm caused by crime and involving all parties in the
resolution.
C. Strict adherence to legal procedures without considering social
impact.
D. Isolating the offender from the community.
Answer: B Rationale: Restorative justice focuses on healing and
repairing relationships, involving victims, offenders, and the
community in the process of resolving the aftermath of crime.
48. What is the significance of the "best interest of the child"
principle in juvenile justice?
A. It means the child can decide their own fate without adult
supervision.
B. It prioritizes the child's welfare, protection, and development in all
decisions concerning them.
C. It allows for the imposition of adult penalties if deemed beneficial.
D. It places the parents' wishes above the child's needs.
Answer: B Rationale: This principle ensures that all actions and
decisions taken within the juvenile justice system are geared towards
promoting the child's holistic well-being.
49. Which of the following is an example of a "tertiary prevention"
strategy in juvenile delinquency?
A. Universal anti-bullying programs in elementary schools.
B. Mentoring programs for children identified as high-risk.
C. Aftercare programs for children returning from youth care facilities.
D. Parental training for all new parents.
Answer: C Rationale: Tertiary prevention targets individuals who
have already exhibited delinquent behavior to prevent recurrence
(recidivism). Aftercare programs fall into this category.
50. The "parens patriae" doctrine allows the state to:
A. Punish parents for their children's crimes.
B. Act as the legal guardian of individuals who are unable to protect
themselves, such as minors.
C. Transfer all juvenile cases to federal courts.
D. Ignore parental rights in all circumstances.
Answer: B Rationale: Parens Patriae is a legal principle that grants
the state the power to step in and act as a parent for children who
cannot protect themselves.
51. How does poverty contribute to juvenile delinquency?
A. It directly causes genetic predispositions to crime.
B. It limits access to education, healthcare, and legitimate
opportunities, increasing desperation and exposure to criminal
activities.
C. It leads to increased psychological disorders.
D. It reduces police presence in impoverished areas.
Answer: B Rationale: Poverty creates a cycle of disadvantage,
leading to limited opportunities and increased pressure to engage in
illegal activities for survival or gain.
52. The term "recidivism" in juvenile justice refers to:
A. The successful rehabilitation of a child.
B. The tendency of a child to re-offend after intervention or release.
C. The first time a child commits an offense.
D. A child's withdrawal from delinquent peer groups.
Answer: B Rationale: Recidivism is a critical measure of the
effectiveness of rehabilitation programs, indicating a return to criminal
behavior.
53. What is the primary reason for strictly prohibiting the publication
of a CICL's identity in media?
A. To protect the child's parents from embarrassment.
B. To ensure the child remains anonymous to avoid accountability.
C. To prevent stigmatization, facilitate rehabilitation, and enable
successful reintegration into society.
D. To avoid public scrutiny of the juvenile justice system.
Answer: C Rationale: Stigmatization can severely hinder a child's
chances of reintegrating into society and leading a productive life.
54. Which of the following is a key component of a comprehensive
juvenile delinquency prevention program?
A. Exclusive reliance on punishment.
B. Multi-faceted approach addressing individual, family, school, and
community risk factors.
C. Focusing solely on law enforcement interventions.
D. Ignoring socio-economic factors.
Answer: B Rationale: Effective prevention programs are holistic,
addressing various contributing factors to delinquency.
55. What is the concept of "diversion counselors" or "diversion
workers" in the juvenile justice system?
A. Prosecutors specializing in juvenile cases.
B. Social workers or trained professionals who facilitate diversion
programs.
C. Police officers assigned to juvenile cases.
D. Judges who preside over juvenile courts.
Answer: B Rationale: Diversion workers are key to implementing and
overseeing the child's individualized diversion plan.
56. The principle of "least restrictive alternative" in juvenile justice
means:
A. Imposing the lightest possible penalty for any offense.
B. Choosing the intervention that provides the least amount of
restriction on the child's liberty and natural environment, consistent
with public safety and the child's needs.
C. Limiting the resources allocated to juvenile programs.
D. Allowing the child to commit minor offenses without intervention.
Answer: B Rationale: This principle aims to keep children out of
institutional settings as much as possible, prioritizing community-
based and family-centered interventions.
57. When a CICL's case is dismissed, what happens to their records?
A. They are immediately published for public knowledge.
B. They are automatically sealed to protect the child's privacy.
C. They are destroyed after 24 hours.
D. They remain open and accessible to the public.
Answer: B Rationale: Sealing of records is a protective measure to
ensure the child's future is not jeopardized by past involvement in the
juvenile justice system.
58. What is the role of parents/guardians in the juvenile justice
process for their child in conflict with the law?
A. They have no role once the child is apprehended.
B. They are crucial partners in the child's rehabilitation and decision-
making process, ensuring the child's rights and best interests are
protected.
C. They are automatically held criminally liable for their child's actions.
D. They are only responsible for paying fines.
Answer: B Rationale: Parental involvement is a cornerstone of the
Philippine juvenile justice system, emphasizing family responsibility
and support for the child's reintegration.
59. Which type of intervention typically involves counseling, skills
training, community service, or attendance at structured programs?
A. Incarceration B. Diversion C. Prosecution D. Adult court trial
Answer: B Rationale: Diversion programs often include these
components as alternatives to formal court proceedings.
60. What is the primary challenge faced by Bahay Pag-asa facilities
in the Philippines?
A. Lack of children to accommodate.
B. Overcrowding, inadequate funding, and insufficient trained
personnel.
C. Lack of support from local government units.
D. Excessive luxuries for the children.
Answer: B Rationale: Despite the mandate of RA 9344, many Bahay
Pag-asa facilities still struggle with these systemic issues, impacting
their ability to effectively rehabilitate children.
Part 6: Ethical Considerations and Broader Perspectives
61. Which ethical consideration is paramount when handling a child
in conflict with the law? A. Retribution for the offense.
B. The best interest of the child.
C. Punishing the parents for their child's actions.
D. Public shaming of the child.
Answer: B Rationale: The "best interest of the child" is the guiding
principle in all aspects of juvenile justice.
62. The use of handcuffs on a child during apprehension should be:
A. Always mandatory for all offenses.
B. Done only when absolutely necessary and with due regard for the
child's dignity and rights.
C. Used as a form of initial punishment.
D. Applied consistently regardless of the child's age or size.
Answer: B Rationale: While safety may sometimes require it, law
enforcement protocols for children emphasize dignity and minimizing
trauma, reserving such measures for genuine necessity.
63. Why is it important for law enforcement officers to undergo
training on RA 9344?
A. To learn how to circumvent the law.
B. To ensure proper and legal handling of CICL, respecting their rights
and promoting the goals of rehabilitation.
C. To enable them to prosecute children more effectively.
D. To allow them to make their own rules for handling minors.
Answer: B Rationale: Proper training ensures compliance with the
law, safeguards children's rights, and promotes a child-sensitive
approach to law enforcement.
64. What is the long-term impact of early and persistent involvement
in the juvenile justice system on a child?
A. It always leads to successful rehabilitation.
B. It can lead to increased stigmatization, limited educational and
employment opportunities, and higher rates of adult criminality.
C. It guarantees a crime-free adulthood.
D. It has no discernible impact on their future.
Answer: B Rationale: Negative labels and system involvement can
create significant barriers to a child's positive development and future
prospects.
65. Which of the following is a common criticism against proposals to
lower the minimum age of criminal responsibility in the Philippines?
A. It aligns with international best practices.
B. It would lead to more effective rehabilitation programs.
C. It contradicts the principles of restorative justice and the UNCRC,
potentially harming children more than helping.
D. It would reduce the workload of social workers.
Answer: C Rationale: Critics argue that lowering the age would go
against the child-friendly spirit of RA 9344 and international
conventions, potentially exposing more children to the harmful effects
of the adult criminal justice system.
66. What is the significance of the UN Convention on the Rights of
the Child (UNCRC) in the context of Philippine juvenile justice?
A. It is merely a recommendation with no legal bearing.
B. It is a fundamental international treaty that guides domestic laws
and policies concerning children's rights, including those in conflict
with the law.
C. It only applies to children under 10 years old.
D. It replaces all existing Philippine laws on children.
Answer: B Rationale: The Philippines is a signatory to the UNCRC,
and its principles heavily influenced the crafting of RA 9344.
67. What is the primary aim of "trauma-informed care" in the context
of juvenile justice?
A. To administer medical treatment for physical injuries.
B. To recognize and respond to the impact of trauma on a child's
behavior and development.
C. To focus solely on the criminal act itself.
D. To ignore the child's past experiences.
Answer: B Rationale: Many children in conflict with the law have
experienced trauma. Trauma-informed care acknowledges this,
seeking to provide interventions that are sensitive to their experiences
and promote healing.
68. The "desistance" from crime in juvenile delinquency refers to:
A. The process of becoming more involved in criminal activities.
B. The cessation or discontinuation of criminal or delinquent behavior
over time.
C. The act of fleeing from justice.
D. The inability to get involved in legitimate activities.
Answer: B Rationale: Desistance is a key concept in developmental
criminology, explaining why most individuals, including those who were
delinquent, eventually stop offending.
69. What role do non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play in the
Philippine juvenile justice system?
A. They are primarily responsible for prosecuting CICL.
B. They often provide crucial support, advocacy, and direct services
(e.g., shelter, counseling, legal aid) to CICL and CAR.
C. They enforce laws related to juvenile delinquency.
D. They are solely responsible for funding Bahay Pag-asa facilities.
Answer: B Rationale: NGOs are vital partners in providing
supplementary services, advocating for children's rights, and filling
gaps in government services.
70. Which approach to juvenile justice emphasizes a collaborative
response to crime that involves the victim, the offender, and the
community?
A. Retributive justice B. Punitive justice C. Restorative justice D.
Distributive justice
Answer: C Rationale: Restorative justice actively involves all
stakeholders in addressing the harm caused by crime and finding
solutions for repair and healing.
71. When a child commits a "status offense," the most appropriate
response under RA 9344 is typically:
A. Criminal prosecution and imprisonment.
B. Immediate placement in a Bahay Pag-asa.
C. Intervention as a "Child at Risk" through community-based
programs.
D. A formal court hearing with strict penalties.
Answer: C Rationale: RA 9344 aims to decriminalize status offenses
for children, treating them as Children at Risk who need support and
guidance rather than punishment.
72. What is the primary purpose of providing "legal assistance" to a
Child in Conflict with the Law?
A. To avoid accountability for their actions.
B. To ensure their rights are protected and they receive a fair and just
process.
C. To speed up the judicial process.
D. To assign blame to others.
Answer: B Rationale: The right to legal counsel is fundamental to
ensuring due process and protecting the child's rights throughout the
juvenile justice process.
73. The concept of "proportionality" in juvenile dispositions means
that the intervention should be:
A. Uniform for all children regardless of the offense.
B. Commensurate with the seriousness of the offense and the
individual needs and circumstances of the child.
C. Directly related to the economic status of the child's family.
D. Designed to inflict maximum punishment.
Answer: B Rationale: Proportionality ensures that the response is
fair, just, and tailored to the child's specific situation, aiming for
effective rehabilitation.
74. Why is "family conferencing" often used in restorative justice
processes for juveniles?
A. To formally accuse the family of complicity.
B. To exclude the child from the discussion.
C. To facilitate dialogue between the victim, offender, and their
families, and to collectively devise solutions for repairing harm.
D. To impose financial penalties on the family.
Answer: C Rationale: Family group conferencing allows for open
communication, shared responsibility, and collective problem-solving,
which are key elements of restorative justice.
75. Ultimately, the success of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act
(RA 9344) hinges on:
A. Strict adherence to punitive measures for all children.
B. The complete abolition of juvenile courts.
C. The effective collaboration among government agencies, LGUs, civil
society organizations, and communities in prioritizing the welfare and
rehabilitation of children. D. Relying solely on the police to solve
juvenile delinquency.
Answer: C Rationale: The holistic and comprehensive approach of RA
9344 necessitates strong inter-agency and community collaboration for
its successful implementation and the protection of children's rights.