Outcomes Of Corrective Measures Used In Behaviour Transformation Of Juvenile Delinquents By Public Rehabilitation Centres In Nairobi County

Abstract

The study investigated the outcomes of corrective measures used in behaviour transformation of juvenile delinquents by public rehabilitation institutions in Nairobi. The objectives that guided the study included exploring how youthful delinquents cope with life in the public recuperation institutions, determining institutional ability in the provision of efficient corrective measures in behaviour transformation of juvenile delinquents, and by investigating the effectiveness of corrective measures used for behaviour transformation. This was a descriptive study that targeted two public rehabilitation institutions, namely Dagoretti Girls Rehabilitation Centre and Kabete Boys Rehabilitation Centre. Primary data was collected both quantitatively and qualitatively. A designed questionnaire was applied to gather data from the juveniles as well as from focus groups. Key informant interviews with the relevant staff at the institutions were also performed. The data captured electronically was cleaned and then uploaded on the data analysis software SPSS. The data was presented in charts, tables and frequency tables. The qualitative data was analysed using the software NVIVO and content analysis. The findings were that the existing programmes in both the public rehabilitation Centres were effective, since most respondents claimed they had reformed from their old ways. However, the implementation had been hindered by lack of adequate staffing. This study recommends that the government should device modern ways of running rehabilitative institutions. It should also give adequate financial support and with adequate food to ensure a balanced diet for the children’s wellbeing. The Government should also work towards adequate provision for enough learning materials and sanitary requirements in the institutions. There is also a need to improve institution-community relationships and in order to sensitize parents and the wider community on the need for a change in attitude towards the juveniles. Rehabilitation programmes should be constantly evaluated to ensure effectiveness and relevance. Finally, there is need for the introduction of after-care services for former juveniles from public rehabilitation centres for their smooth reintegration into society