Experiences of children in conflict with the law in the juvenile justice system

Abstract

Global burden estimate suggests that more than one (1) million children get involved in the juvenile justice system as accused each year (UNICEF, 2006), they experience health, behavioral, and socio - economic challenges (Gonzalez, 2017; Goodkind et al., 2013). Therefore, the study examined the lived experiences of children in conflict with the law in Uganda's juvenile justice system. The study utilized three theoretical frameworks; attachment, rehabilitation, and restorative justice theories in helping to explain and guide in data interpretation. A qualitative research methodology, inductive in nature, informed by stake's constructivist paradigm using a case study research design, two methods of data collection; in-depth interviews and focus group discussion was adopted. Participants were purposively selected, boys and girls between 12-17 years convicted of various offences participated in the study. A total of 12 respondents (n=12) participated in in-depth interviews similarly, 4 focus groups were conducted 3 for boys and 1 for girls. Collected data was thematically analyzed and interpreted. Ethical considerations such as confidentiality, anonymity, informed consent, and protection from harm, issues of positionality and reflexivity as well as trustworthiness that is credibility, dependability, transferability, and confirmability were put into account. Results from data collection sources indicated that a number of childhood adversities such as parental separation and divorce, loss of a loved one, domestic and community violence, family criminality, single and non parenthood, peer pressure, mistreatment, mental illness, substance abuse, poverty, unemployment and learning difficulties constrained children to get involved in crimes. Children in conflict with the law also reported both positive and negative experiences while in detention and their views regarding rehabilitation and reintegration programs were documented. The study suggested implications and recommendations in line with policy and legislation, child protection practice, police, courts of law, parents and guardians, media, and children in conflict with the law to improve children's experience while in detention, study limitations as well as areas for further research.