Factors contributing to juvenile delinquency, prevention mechanisms and treatment in West Shoa Zone: The case of Ambo Correctional Center.

Abstract

Juvenile delinquency and crimes are serious problems all over the world. They are steadily increasing as years pass by and creates many setbacks in development processes mostly in third world countries like Ethiopia specifically in Ambo correctional center whose mechanisms to deal with the situation are weak. The main objective of this study was to assess of major contributing factors, possible prevention mechanisms and treatment for juvenile delinquents in West Shoa Zone, the case of Ambo correctional center. Specifically, the study explored the contributing factors towards juvenile delinquency, the major prevention methods of juvenile delinquency, how the juveniles are handled in the Ambo correction center and, the features of the legal treatment of young offenders by zonal court office and Ambo correctional center. It was employed descriptive survey included both quantitative and qualitative method. Data for the study were collected through opened and closed ended questioners from a sample of 70 juvenile delinquents found in the Ambo correctional center and unstructured interview from three law enforcements (West Shoa Zonal police guidance, court office and Ambo correctional center) a total of 12 (twelve) members were selected purposively. In addition, the researcher observed facilities/ services available for rehabilitation program and physical facilities of the correctional center (prison). The results showed that dysfunctional families, peer pressures, educational opportunity factors, ecological related factors, drugs factors and inability to attain basic needs are identified as causes to become delinquents. Juvenile delinquency is separate youth offenders institution should be established which can provide educational, vocational, counseling services, and follow up and after care rehabilitation programs based correction mechanisms are highly recommended to tackle the problem.