The Prevalent Family Structure And Functions Among Juvenile Delinquent Children In Rehabilitation Centres In Nairobi And Kiambu Counties

Abstract

Background: Youth delinquency and crime is a major problem in Nairobi (United Nations Habitat, 2016). This trend has been associated with the increase of juvenile delinquency. There is a growing concern with the growth and prevalence of Juvenile delinquents (JD) in rehabilitation centres in Kenya (Nguku et al., 2017). The family is usually the first environment within which an individual interacts (Maree, 2008). Objectives: To identify the prevalent family structure among the juvenile delinquent children in rehabilitation centres in Nairobi and Kiambu counties. To identify the prevalent family functions among juvenile delinquent children in rehabilitation centres in Nairobi and Kiambu counties. To determine the association between family structure and functions among juvenile delinquent children in rehabilitation schools in Nairobi and Kiambu counties. Methodology: A quantitative study and a cross-sectional descriptive design was used, involving purposive sampling technique. Face to face interview was used to collect data from a total number of 113 participants, 60 from Getathuru rehabilitation centre and 53 from Kirigiti rehabilitation centre. A socio demographic data questionnaire, Family Assessment Device and Brief Family Relationship Scale was used. The study was done for a period of 12 weeks. Data analysis and management: All data collected was stored in a secured box under the custody of the researcher and analysis was done. Quantitative Data was analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) v25 which involved coding, then data entry and checking of completeness of the data file. The findings were presented in the form of text, tables and narrative. xv Results: The study established that majority of the respondents indicated that they were living with their mothers only (38, 33.6%) at the time of arrest compared to 22 (19.5%) who were living with their biological parents. The others were living with biological mother and stepfather (19, 16.8%), grandparents (16, 14.2%), uncle/aunt/older sibling (13, 11.5%) and father only at (5, 4.4%). On family function, the study established that among the respondents in the study, majority (108, 95.6%) were dysfunctional compared to mere 4.4% who had functional families. Conclusion: The extent to which the family structure and functions may result in juvenile delinquency was understood and demonstrated in this study. Family structure and functions may have positive and negative effect on children. New strategies in the rehabilitation process focusing on the family is recommended.