ABSTRACT

Drawing on Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory, this study explored the experiences and perspectives of juvenile offenders and officers on juvenile delinquency in Accra, Ghana. A descriptive study design with qualitative data collection and analysis methods were employed. A purposive sampling method was used to recruit twenty-six participants, consisting of inmates and officers at a Correctional Facility. Data were gathered through in-depth interviews and the findings showed that parental neglect and abuse; financial constraints; peer influence; and exposure to community social vices influenced juveniles’ delinquent behaviors. Additionally, evidence indicated that the inmates benefited from their stay at the correctional facility with respect to their mental health and opportunity to acquire academic knowledge and vocational skills. Based on the findings, suggestions are provided on how juvenile delinquency could be prevented and controlled in Ghana.

摘要

本研究借鉴 Bronfenbrenner 的生态系统理论，探讨了加纳阿克拉少年犯和官员对少年犯罪的经验和看法。采用了具有定性数据收集和分析方法的描述性研究设计。使用有目的的抽样方法招募了 26 名参与者，包括惩教所的囚犯和官员。通过深入访谈收集数据，调查结果显示父母忽视和虐待；财务限制；同侪的影响; 并且接触社区社会恶习会影响青少年的犯罪行为。此外，有证据表明，囚犯在惩教设施的逗留中受益于他们的心理健康和获得学术知识和职业技能的机会。