Effects of Correctional Services on Juvenile Delinquents: A Qualitative Study of Borstal Institutions & Juvenile Jails in Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

Juvenile delinquency is a social phenomenon affecting every society around the globe. The paper attempts to investigate the causes of Juvenile Delinquency (JD) and the effects of correctional services (CS) on Juveniles at Borstal institutions & Juvenile Jails of Punjab Pakistan. Interview guide as tool of data collection is used to collect information from juvenile and two focused group discussion were made to record the opinions of correctional staff. Reflexive Thematic analysis developed by Braun and Clerk (2006) was used to develop themes from interviews and Focus group discussions. The research found economic deprivation, peer group pressure and use of media as primary cause of juvenile delinquency. Furthermore, correctional services like religious education, ethical and moral rehabilitation are imparting resilience, effective time management attributes in juveniles. The research suggested the establishment of correctional laws and criminal victim mediation mechanisms for effective and sustainable rehabilitation of juveniles in Punjab Pakistan.