Juvenile Recidivism: Analyzing the Rehabilitation Strategies for Delinquency in Criminal Justice System of Sindh

Abstract

This paper explores the correlation between family background, education, mental health, and juvenile recidivism in Sindh, Pakistan, with a view to establishing the importance of some underlying factors that affect the tendency of juvenile offenders to reoffend. With a qualitative design, the study applied content analysis to interpret juvenile rehabilitation programs in the province. The findings show that dysfunctional family, limited access to education and unattended mental health conditions significantly increase the likelihood of recidivism. Young individuals with several co- occurring vulnerabilities were particularly vulnerable to recidivism. The paper suggests that a comprehensive intervention of a better family support, wider educational opportunities and vocational options, and accessible mental health care could help reduce recidivism. Policy recommendations shall be focused on the long-term effectiveness of the rehabilitation programs, especially in the education and health that influences the peer networks, and the role of community-based support systems in the Sindh juvenile justice system