Juvenile Delinquencies and Failed Governments

Regardless of how perfect a society is, we are bound to have some delinquents, especially among children and teenagers.

It is the stage in life where we tend to dare obstacles and challenge status quo. It is not an anomaly for a child to asky why he needs to be obedient or follow set down rules. 

This phase, while exhausting for most parents is unavoidable and many have learnt to make it teachable moments instead getting angry.

However, we still have some children who would not adhere to set rules till they have push the limits of such rules. Therein lies the minor delinquents who defy all existing rules and authorities to attempt to prove to themselves that they can.

In developed countries, Remand homes, rehabilitation centres, juvenile centers are available to support failed  parental efforts when a child decides to be a delinquent.

In Nigeria, a country with a reputation for overcrowded cells, the gap of failed  parenting is often met with the the ripple effect of systematic inadequacy. From poorly trained officers at the desk, to the absence of functional juvenile units in core institution. Delinquent minors are often handled with regular criminal elements, subject to the same harsh, unhealthy conditions while undergoing a prosecution system that has no regard for their age.

Essential rehabilitation resources like mental wellness therapist, safe houses, shelters and transient education programs are visible absent in the handling of juvenile delinquencies .

It is therefore not surprising that a jailed minor often comes out more hardened than he or she went in. 

The solution is not rocket science. We need to push for more funding for Rehabilitation of juvenile delinquents in our society. We need to integrate the curriculum towards supporting parent effort towards positively defined characteristics by reiterating wisdom nuggets and common sense.

Let us place pride on simple things like walking on the right side of the road, being courteously and appreciative, dressing modestly, let us celebrate productive creativity and not demeaning creativity.

Nigeria has a lot of talents and without a system to channel their talents progressively, they are experimentally derailed to work against family, society and humanity as a whol

This issue might seem like one that does not concern many but it will become your business when the next frustrated delinquent genius makes a victim of you or your loved ones.

The  War Against Child Abuse And Drug  Abuse is not for a person, group  or sect. It is a war that requires all of us to be actively involved as sitting on the fence equals enabling accused norms and persons .