REHABILITATION PROGRAMS AND REINTEGRATION OF JUVENILE DELINQUENTS IN ABEOKUTA BORSTAL HOME, OGUN STATE.

ABSTRACT Rehabilitation and reintegration of juvenile delinquents into the society have always generated concerns and research interest, considering the implications for societies globally. This study examined rehabilitation and reintegration of juvenile delinquents in Borstal Institution, Adigbe, and Remand Home, Asero, with a view to identifying programmes available, evaluating the effectiveness of rehabilitation programmes and examining the impact of parental support. Mixedmethodwas adopted. Reintegrative shaming theory by John Braithwaite served as the framework. Data were collected using structured questionnaires distributed to 195 staff and juveniles, and in-depth interviews with seventeen purposively selected staff and delinquents in one Borstal institution and one remand home. Data were subjected to descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. While vocational programmes: tailoring, hairdressing, carpentry, and formal education were available, effectiveness of these programmeswas limited by inadequate facilities, lack of qualified instructors, and insufficient follow-up mechanisms. Parental support significantly influenced successful reintegration. Juveniles with stronger family ties were more likely to remain positively engaged after release as compared to those without stronger family ties. These findings assert that although rehabilitation programmes exist, they require improvement to achieve long-term reintegration goals. There is need for increased government funding, improved staff training, enhanced parental involvementand stronger community-based follow-up strategies to transform juvenile institutions into centers that not only correct deviant behavior but also empower delinquents and reintegrate them successfully into society. Keywords: Juvenile delinquency, Rehabilitation programs, Reintegration, Borstal institution, Parental support. Word Count: 223