SOCIAL WORK INTERVENTIONS IN JUVENILE DELINQUENCY: CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

In Nigeria, juvenile delinquency is still a major social issue that has a significant impact on neighborhood safety, social stability, and national advancement. By encouraging rehabilitation, reintegration, and preventive measures, social work interventions are essential in addressing the root causes of juvenile delinquent behaviour. Numerous obstacles, such as insufficient institutional and policy frameworks, a lack of funds and resources, a lack of qualified social workers, and a lack of cooperation amongst juvenile justice system players, restrict the efficacy of these interventions. There are encouraging opportunities to advance social work practice in Nigeria in spite of these obstacles. Viable routes to better results include bolstering legal and policy frameworks, funding social worker capacity building, incorporating community-based strategies, and using technology for juvenile rehabilitation. This study looks at the difficulties social work interventions in juvenile delinquency face in Nigeria and considers the possibilities for developing a system that is more inclusive, durable, and responsive. The study adds to the conversation on improving the role of social work in fostering positive youth development and changing juvenile justice by pointing out both challenges and opportunities.