A phenomenological inquiry into the barriers against effective rehabilitation and reintegration of juvenile delinquents at a juvenile remand home in Nigeria

Abstract

Juvenile delinquency has been on the rise as well as the number of delinquents that go to remand homes to forestall the continuous perpetration of criminal behaviors through rehabilitation, reformation, and reintegration. Unfortunately, optimal rehabilitation and reintegration of delinquents have been difficult to achieve in Nigerian remand homes owing to several challenges. These limitations continue to hamper the objectives of these institutions aimed at rehabilitating young offenders to fit back into society. Ten participants, which includes 5 rehabilitated, reformed, and discharged juveniles and 5 staff of the Juvenile Remand Home were selected for the study using purposive and snowball sampling methods. Data were collected using In-depth Interviews (IDIs). Generated data were transcribed and analyzed using themes and quotes. Findings revealed that poor facilities and low content program, ill-trained and unprofessional staff, attitudes of some juveniles, lack of trained social workers, and poor funding are some of the barriers that affect the effective operations of the institution; while stigmatization, cultural/religious belief, negative attitudes, and lack of social assistance from families and friends affect the reintegration of the rehabilitated juveniles. The study recommended adequate provision of funds and recruitment of more professionals including social workers for effective rehabilitation and reintegration processes.