Effects of Juvenile Delinquents’ Rehabilitation Programs on Behaviour Modification in Selected Rehabilitation Schools in Kenya
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Date
2021
Authors
Wangari, Mwangi Elizabeth
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to establish the effects of juvenile delinquents’ rehabilitation programs on juvenile’s behavior modification in selected rehabilitation schools in Kenya. The study was carried out in four government rehabilitation schools in Kiambu, Nairobi and Kirinyaga Counties: Kirigiti Girl’s Rehabilitation School, Dagoretti Girl’s Rehabilitation School, Kabete Boy’s Rehabilitation School and Wamumu Boy’s Rehabilitation School. The specific objectives of the study were to identify the socio-demographic characteristics of the juveniles, to establish the effects of vocational training program on behavior modification of juveniles; determine the effects of academic enrichment program on behavior modification of juveniles and to assess the effects of social development program on behavior modification of juveniles in the selected rehabilitation schools in Kenya. In overall, the study intended to find out whether the rehabilitation programs had positive effects in modifying juvenile’s behavior and reducing recidivism. The study used explanatory sequential mixed method design. The target population for the study was 142 delinquent juveniles who were in their last year of rehabilitation at the selected rehabilitation schools in Kenya and 22 Key informants who comprised of welfare officers, academic teachers, and vocational instructors. Census and purposive sampling were used to draw the sample size of 142 delinquent juveniles and 12 key informants, respectively. Research instruments used were interview schedule guide and Key informant interview (KII) guide. The instruments were pre-tested for validity and reliability. Approval to carry out the research was sought from the relevant authorities. Informed assent and consent were sought. Privacy and confidentiality of data collected was maintained. The quantitative data collected was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21 while the qualitative data was analyzed inductively through narrative analysis. The findings were described numerically using measures of distribution (frequencies and percentages) and presented in form of charts, graphs, tables, and narrations. The findings indicated that vocational training program was the most preferred and with positive effects in empowering juveniles with skills and knowledge in different jobs to meet their financial needs. Academic program was found to have positive effects on behavior change by enabling juveniles solve the problems they encounter logically. All juveniles participated in spiritual welfare program, and it had positive effects in modifying delinquent juveniles as it taught them moral and ethical values. Mandatory counselling was offered to juveniles individually at admission and thereafter, counselling program was mostly administered to groups and on few instances to individuals. Some juveniles did not like counselling as they reported that the counsellors had some bad attitude towards them. The study concluded that the existing juvenile rehabilitation programs had positive effects on juvenile rehabilitation and behavior modification in reducing recidivism. The study recommended more academic and vocational teachers to be employed; training materials and tools to be availed; more vocational courses to be embraced; qualified counselors to be employed; welfare officers to adopt a positive attitude while interacting with the juveniles; and guardians/parents to be involved in juvenile rehabilitation process. Equally, the study recommends research on effects of parent/guardian involvement in juvenile’s rehabilitation on behavior modification.
Description
A Research Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment for Degree of Master of Arts in Sociology in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences of Kenyatta University, November, 2021
Keywords
Effects, Juvenile Delinquents’, Rehabilitation Programs, Behaviour Modification, Selected Rehabilitation Schools, Kenya