EFFECTIVENESS OF SOCIAL CASEWORK METHODS IN THE CORRECTION OF JUVENILE DELINQUENTS IN SELECTED CORRECTIONAL CENTRES IN LAGOS STATE

Abstract

The correction of juvenile delinquents while they are in correctional institutions is crucial to their effective reintegration into the community and their contribution to the development of society. This study examined the effectiveness of social casework methods in correcting juvenile delinquents in selected correctional centres in Lagos State. Using psychosocial theory, problem-solving theory, and social systems theory, this study employed a qualitative research approach, and content analysis was used for data analysis. Data were gathered from 35 juveniles and 12 social workers from Lagos State. Findings highlight the role of interviews in the gathering of information from the juveniles, which leads to the diagnosis of their problems and eventual individualised treatment. It also revealed that past trauma affects the juveniles’ ability to open up and engage positively in interviews, accurate social diagnosis is often hindered by the lack of training and the expertise of the correctional staff and effective treatment is often compromised due to inadequate funding, leaving juveniles without access to the support and resources needed for their total correction and successful reintegration into the community. The study recommends continuous training and professional development for social workers to enhance their effectiveness in juvenile corrections, adequate funding of the correctional centres by the State government and the engagement of trauma-informed specialists in the interview processes at the correctional centres.