The Effectiveness of Rehabilitation Programmes for Juvenile Delinquents: a Case of Kabete and Kirigiti Rehabilitation Schools’ Programmes

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to assess the effectiveness of the rehabilitation programmes for the juvenile delinquents’. The study was carried out in two statutory rehabilitation schools; Kabete and Kirigiti rehabilitation schools. The two institutions were selected to allow for comparison of both genders on behaviors; Kabete is a boys’ school while Kirigiti is a girls school. The study sought to establish the existing rehabilitation programmes, the role of families in the rehabilitation process, staff training and competence levels, release and follow ups of the juvenile delinquents and benefits of the rehabilitation programmes. Quantitative data was collected from the two institutions through administration of questionnaires to a sample of 99 juveniles who were purposively selected. Qualitative data was collected from 18 members of staff and 21 parents of the ex-rehabilitees through use of interview guides for the key informants, observation and use of field notes. The study employed descriptive methods of data analysis through SPSS and presented through use of tables, graphs and figures. The study found out that the existing rehabilitation programmes for the juvenile delinquents were; academics, vocational training, life skills, counseling and scouts. Girls preferred life skills compared to vocational training. Beadwork and soap making were the most popular life skill courses across both genders while agriculture was popular among the boys. Tailoring and dressmaking and bakery were the most popular vocational training courses among the girls while masonry, electrical wiring, mechanics and carpentry were popular among the boys. The counseling programme was not well implemented as the government did not employ qualified counselors. Individual and group counseling were common while family therapy was not practiced in any of the institutions and families of the juveniles were not involved in the rehabilitation process; they mainly provided basic needs for the juveniles. In conclusion, the study established that the staff were not competent enough to implement the rehabilitation programmes; most of them had certificate courses in various fields but their years of experience played a great role in rehabilitation. Follow ups and after care services were not provided to the juveniles after release from the rehabilitation schools. The juveniles however gained some skills they would use in earning an income while others were able to get education. The study recommended for the review of the rehabilitation programmes to address the ever emerging rehabilitation needs of the juvenile delinquents. Classes, workshops and play grounds to be upgraded and equipped with modern equipment’s and the number of teachers should be increased. The qualifications of the staff to be at least a diploma for counselors, certificate courses in social work for welfare officers and a special training on handling the juvenile delinquents for all the staff. The institutions needed to implement the after care and follow up plans for the juveniles after release as well as fully involving the families in the rehabilitation process