ASSESSING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTES (BORSTAL HOMES) IN JUVENILE JUSTICE ADMINISTRATION IN GHANA: THE CASE OF MAAMOBI SENIOR

BOYS CORRECTIONAL CENTER

A LONG ESSAY SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINSTRATION

UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION WINNEBA-KUMASI CAMPUS DEPARTMENT OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES BY ARYEETEY SHADRACH NII (BBA/PT/08/042)

MAY, 2012

DECLARATION I certify that this work piece is solely my own carried out at the Department of Management Studies at the University of Education Winneba - Kumasi and under the supervision of Dr. Joseph Mbawuni. The researcher cited the work of other authorities during the study which were duly acknowledged.

.............................................. Date: ................................. Shadrach Nii Aryeetey (Student)

.............................................. Date: ................................. Dr. Joseph Mbawuni (Supervisor)

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DEDICATION In loving memory of my Dad Mr. Quaye Ayitey( 1918-2006)

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I wish to first of all express my sincerest thanks to the Almighty God for his care, guidance and knowledge given to me throughout my work. But, for this my efforts would have proven futile. My profound gratitude also goes to my Supervisor, Dr. Mbawuni whose directions, encouragement, motivation and advice saw me this far. To this I say to him ayekoo! I am most grateful to officials of the Maamobi Senior Boys Correctional Centre, the Director of the Ghana Prisons Service and all the participants of the study that resulted in obtaining responses and answers to the questionnaires prepared and interviews conducted towards the success of this work. My appreciation would be incomplete if I fail to acknowledge my friends and course mates especially Joana Boakyewah Aning, Blay Andrew Victor Jr. and Priscilla Ama Mensah whose suggestions, encouragement and moral supports contributed tremendously in attainment of this research work. I am most grateful to you all. Finally, I am highly indebted to my wife and daughter who have relentlessly been the back bone in my education up to this far. My God replenish abundantly all that have been incurred and extend their lifespan.

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ABSTRACT The study basically takes a careful look at the correctional centre and juvenile justice administration: the case of Maamobi Senior Boys Correctional Centre. It focuses on assessing how effective the correctional centre is in its daily administration to arrive at their goals. The study therefore looks at the reformation and the rehabilitation programs, resource capacity, social relations of inmates and challenges facing the centre. Theoretical framework and literature review connected to the topic were reviewed. Information was sought from thirty respondents through the use of questionnaires, twenty inmates and ten staffs as well as an interview with the deputy director at the centre. Questionnaires administered centered on programs, resource capacity, and social relations of inmates and challenges of the centre. The study identified some rehabilitation and reformation programs, and the benefit to the inmates as well as obstacles. It also finds out that in terms of accommodation facilities it was okay even though it needed a face lift. Inmates enjoy three square meal a day and access to television. Rapport between inmates and staffs was admirable. Challenges have to do with funding, equipments and trained staffs.

TABLE OF CONTENT Content ..................................................................................................................................... Page DECLARATION i DEDICATION...... .ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENT . ..iii ABSTRACT .. iv TABLE OF CONTENT................................................................................................................ v LIST OF TABLES ....................................................................................................................... vi LIST OF FIGURES .................................................................................................................... vii

CHAPTER ONE BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY 1.0 Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 The Statement of the Problem............................................................................................ 2 1.2Aim......................................................................................................................................... 2 1.3 Objectives ............................................................................................................................. 2 1.4 Research Questions ............................................................................................................. 3 1.5 Scope of Study ..................................................................................................................... 3 1.6 Methodology ........................................................................................................................ 3 1.6.1 Target Population ................................................................................................................ 3 1.6.2 Sources of Data ................................................................................................................... 4 1.6.3 Sample Size......................................................................................................................... 4 1.6.4 Sampling Procedure ............................................................................................................ 4 1.6.5 Data Collection Method ...................................................................................................... 4 1.7 Justification of the Study ..................................................................................................... 4 1.8 Operational Definition of Terms ........................................................................................ 5 1.9 Limitations of the Study ...................................................................................................... 6

CHAPTER TWO
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LITERATURE REVIEW 2.0 Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 7 2.1 Juvenile Justice in the World ................................................................................................. 7 2.2.1 Peer Influences ..................................................................................................................... 8 2.2.2 Family Influence .................................................................................................................. 10 2.2.3 Race as a Factor in Delinquent Behavior ............................................................................. 12 2.2.4 Self-Esteem as a Factor in Delinquent Behavior ................................................................. 12 2.3s Juvenile Justice Administration ......................................................................................... 16 2.4 Reformation and Rehabilitation Program for Juveniles in the World ............................ 17 2.5 Juvenile Justice Administration in Ghana ......................................................................... 19 2.6 Challenges of Correctional Centers .................................................................................... 21 2.7Theoretical Framework ......................................................................................................... 22

CHAPTER THREE RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 3.0 Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 24 3.1 Research Design................................................................................................................. 24 3.2 History of the Study Area ................................................................................................. 25 3.3 Target Population .............................................................................................................. 26 3.4 Sample Technique ............................................................................................................. 26 3.5 Data Collection .................................................................................................................. 26 3.6 Data Analysis ..................................................................................................................... 27 3.7 Ethical Consideration ....................................................................................................... 27

CHAPTER FOUR DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION 4.0 Introduction ........................................................................................................................... 28 4.1 Categories of Respondents ................................................................................................... 28 4.1.1 Staff ..................................................................................................................................... 29 4.1.2 Inmates ................................................................................................................................ 29 4.2 History of Inmates ............................................................................................................. 29
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4.3 Effectiveness of Reformation Programs .......................................................................... 31 4.4 Living and Environmental Conditions at the Borstal Home ........................................ 33 4.5 Social Relations of Inmates .............................................................................................. 36 4.6 Research Questions ........................................................................................................... 39

CHAPTER FIVE SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, RECOMMENDATION AND CONCLUSION 5.0 Introduction ........................................................................................................................... 40 5.1 Summary of Findings ........................................................................................................... 41 5.2 Conclusion ............................................................................................................................. 42 5.3 Recommendation................................................................................................................... 43 Reference.. 46

Appendix .48

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LIST OF TABLES Table ..........................................................................................................................................Page Table 4.1 Categories of Respondents............................................................................................ 28 Table 4.2 Inmates and who they trust ........................................................................................... 37

LIST OF FIGURES Figure Page

Figure 4.1 Frequency inmates have come in conflict with the law .............................................. 30 Figure 4.2 Intention of inmates after acquittal .............................................................................. 32 Figure 4.3 Conditions at the Borstal Home .................................................................................. 34

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CHAPTER ONE BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY 1.0 Introduction Laws are made to govern the behavior of members in the society without which societies will be in a state of anomie. The rules identify specific situations and prescribe the kind of behavior it considers appropriate. When people within the society break the rules or norms of behavior they are referred to as deviants. Crime according to the encyclopedia of social work is considered as a commission of an act or omission that violates the law and is punishable by the state. Haskell and Yablonsky (1976) also defines crime as an intentional act committed or omitted in violation of a forbidden law and to which is annex either of the following punishment; death, imprisonment, fines, removal from office or disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of trust in the society.

Crime abound in various forms namely armed robbery, larceny, assault, murder, co-operate crime, defilement, rape etc. Several reasons have been given as to why some people choose to be anti social that borders on biological, psychological issues, social structures, poor socialization and association with peers who have their own sub-culture contrary to the societal norms. Crimes are not committed by adults alone but young people as well who are either known as juvenile offenders or delinquents and both offenders go through the criminal justice system. Juvenile delinquency is legally defined as an act committed by a minor who violates the penal code (Seigal and Senna 1988).

In Ghana a juvenile offender is a person under eighteen years who goes through the juvenile justice systems (Act 653), of 2003. The study focuses on the juvenile offender who passes through the juvenile justice system. The offender is sent to the Remand home, upon the request of the court when trial is still in progress to reappear on a said date. The industrial school or the correctional home is the custodial sentence imposed on the juvenile or on probation under the strict supervision of a probation officer.

In Ghana, there is a growing fear that our correctional institutions specifically the Borstal institutions are not able to fully reform and rehabilitate inmates for reintegration. Rather the correction centre is seen as a crime college where juveniles graduate into hardened criminals. The study is therefore to assess the effectiveness of Correctional Centres in performance of their roles in Juvenile Justice Administration, identify the loopholes, challenges and way forward.

1.1 The Statement of the Problem As already spelt out clearly, laws are made for social control yet we find social deviants violating the law. The emphasis of the study is on the juvenile offender or delinquent who finds him or herself in the grips of the law and the correctional centre where the juvenile is sent to.

Baan (1984) attributed the cause of chronic delinquency to the way criminal justice is administered, judicial proceedings and methods of treatments. One of the key actors in pursuant of juvenile justice is the correctional or Borstal Institutions which help to foster reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration of juvenile offenders. However, little empirical research on the effectiveness of the Borstal Home has been undertaken. The study therefore focuses on the Borstal institution by assessing the programs aimed at reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration of the juvenile as well as the conditions and resource capacity at the centre.

1.2 Aim The aim of the study is to assess the effectiveness of the Borstal Institution in Juvenile Justice Administration taking into consideration programs, resources, conditions and challenges.

1.3 Objectives The objectives of the study are outline below: 1. To identify and assess the effectiveness of various programs designed to reform the juvenile offender. 2. To examine the living and environmental conditions of the institution.
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3. To assess the resource capacity (human, material, financial) of the institution. 4. To assess the social relations of inmates and personnel. 5. To identify major challenges faced by the Borstal institute.

1.4 Research Questions 1. Will the effectiveness of programs designed in the Borstal Home impact positively on the Juvenile offender? 2. Is there a direct relationship between resource capacity and reformation and rehabilitation of inmates?

1.5 Scope of Study The study entails the effectiveness of Borstal Homes in the performance of their role in the juvenile justice administration. It will comprise of the challenges, weakness and opportunities of the institution. Geographically, the study will focus on the senior Borstal Home in Maamobi a suburb of Accra. The Senior Correctional Center formally known as Ghana Borstal institute was established in 18th May, 1947 at its present location Roman Ridge Accra under the care of the Department of Social Welfare. It was established for the purpose of reforming juvenile offenders. In 1958 the prison service took over its administration. The center takes into custody juvenile offenders between ages 13-17 and it detains for a mandated period of six months for minimum sentence and three years for maximum. It has a vision of attaining the three Rs namely Reformation, Rehabilitation and Re -integration.

1.6 Methodology The researcher intends to use both qualitative and quantitative research in the study. 1.6.1 Target Population The target population on which the study will centre are the inmates of the Senior Boys Correctional Centre at Maamobi. It currently has a population of 120 inmates.
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1.6.2 Sources of Data In undertaking the study, both primary and secondary sources of information will be utilized. The source of data will come from the staff and inmates of the Maamobi Senior Correctional Institute. The secondary source of data will comprise relevant literature around the study. It will include publications like journals, books and policies.

1.6.3 Sample Size The study will centre on a sample size of 30 respondents, 20 of the respondents will be the inmates of the centre while the other ten will be the staff.

1.6.4 Sampling Procedure The stratified random sampling will be used in the study. This is because; inmates are grouped into various dormitories and trades such as tailoring, blacksmithing, carpentry etc.

1.6.5 Data Collection Method The researcher intends to use the self administered questionnaires and interview in gathering data. Moreover, Statistical Program for administration will be used for analysis.

1.7 Justification of the Study There is the assertion that, the increasing spate of youth armed robbery in our communities can be attributed to many factors, but significantly among them is the correctional institution specifically Borstal Homes. It is believed is a crime college which produces criminals

terrorizing the citizenry because of the training and conditions under which inmates live. There is therefore the need to study this environment to ascertain the truth and to come out with ways to improve the situation.

To the inmates, the study would bring to the fore their grievances for them to be addressed. Proper education and skill training programs will be pursued to ensure proper integration. Moreover society as a whole should be sensitized on the need to warmly accept such people who have been reintegrated into society for them to feel welcomed as part of the society with that they would rather prove their worth but not to drift back to those deviant behaviors.

Government would also be impressed upon to put up more Borstal Institutions or refurbish the existing ones and stock it with the necessary material, recruit qualified people to ensure reformation of inmates. Policy makers will be urged to come out with alternate policies like diversion, probation, community based corrections etc, these policies would do away with the criminal record attached to the offender and makes the offender to reflect on his /her bad behavior so as to refrain from it as well as removal of stigma attached to incarceration.

The study will help in the addition of knowledge not only in the academic field but to the field outside the academic. In the process of the research, certain knowledge that has been given less or no attention might be exposed to broaden existing knowledge. The research will also trigger further research into same or similar area of study

1.8 Operational Definition of Terms 1. Juvenile Offender. According to the juvenile justice Act 653 of 2003, a juvenile offender is a person under age of eighteen (18) years in conflict with the law. 2. Diversion. Is a procedure by which the Judge according to a certain criteria prevents the juvenile from passing through the juvenile justice system. 3. A Social Deviant. Is a minor who violates the norms and values of the society. 4. Criminal Justice System. According to Inciardi, 2005 criminal justice is referred to as the system of practices used by national and local governments, directed at maintaining social control, deterring and controlling crime and sanctions those who violate the law and order with criminal penalties. The key actors who protect

individual rights and all the agencies that perform criminal justice functions are known as the Criminal Justice System. 5. Borstal Institution. Is a senior correctional home where offenders between the ages of seventeen and Twenty one years (17 -21 years) and incorrigible juveniles between the ages of eight (8) and sixteen (16) are sent for training, rehabilitation, reformation and integration into mainstream society. 6. After Care Agent. Are welfare personnel who are attached to institutions such as prisons and rehabilitation centres. They respond to the welfare needs of inmates during and after incarceration. 7. Recidivist. According to encyclopedia Americana (2000) refers to an individual who reverts to an undesirable act or behavior, often, they have either experienced negative consequences of that behavior or have been trained to extinguish the behavior. 8. Probation. A conditional release of a convicted offender into the community under the supervision of a probation officer.

1.9 Limitations of the Study 1. The first limitation identified is that the sample size of the study does not represent wholesomely the views of the total population. 2. The researcher went through an arduous task in getting the approval from the Senior Boys Correctional Institute. Approval had to be given by the Director General of Ghana prisons besides the bureaucracy the researcher had to go through. 3. In addition self administered questionnaire by the researcher was time consuming. 4. More over, it was difficult getting most inmates to correctly answer questionnaires as some felt reluctant. Finally finances were another major challenge for the researcher.

CHAPTER TWO LITERATURE REVIEW 2.0 Introduction This chapter touched on literature relating to the juvenile justice administration around the world, causes of juvenile delinquency, juvenile justice administration, reformation and rehabilitation programs for juveniles around the world, juvenile justice administration in Ghana and challenges of correctional centers.

2.1 Juvenile Justice in the World Criminal justice is the system of practices and the institutions of government are directed at upholding social control, deterring and mitigating crimes or sanctioning those who violate laws with criminal penalties and rehabilitation efforts. The criminal justice system in England and Wales aims to reduce crime by bringing more offences to justice and to raise public confidence that the system is fair and would deliver law abiding citizens. In Canada, the criminal justice system aims to balance the goals of crime control and prevention, and justice. In Sweden, the overarching goal for the criminal justice system is to reduce crime and increase the security of the people.

2.2 Causes of Juvenile Delinquency In Africa, delinquency tends to be attributed primarily to hunger, poverty, malnutrition and unemployment, which are linked to the marginalization of juveniles in the already severely disadvantaged segments of society. As a result of rapid population growth, young people in Africa will soon constitute two-thirds of the regions population.

Every year about 790,000 people enter the labor market, while the economy generates fewer than 60,000 jobs. One half of all households in Africa are living in poverty. Many of the urban poor live in slums and squatter settlements with overcrowding, unhealthy housing and a lack of basic services. It is here that the majority of urban youth and children live. One of the most serious problems is the great number of street and orphaned children, whose numbers have been growing as a result of continuous and multiple armed conflicts, the advent of HIV/AIDS, and the breakdown of a centuries-old way of living and social structure. Juvenile crime and delinquency are on the rise, a trend also linked to the rapid and dramatic social, political and economic changes that have taken place in Africa in recent decades. The principal offences committed by young people are theft, robbery, smuggling, prostitution, the abuse of narcotic substances, and drug trafficking.

Psychologists, sociologists and criminologists the world over have long debated the various causes of delinquency. This research focuses on some of the causes that have been and are considered viable from a theoretical and practical perspective. Some of these theorists point to the seminal experience of a childhood trauma especially child abuse, either of a physical or sexual nature.

2.2.1 Peer Influences Hoge, Andrews and Leschied tested three hypotheses with respect to delinquent behavior. They worked with a sample of 338 youth in their study. The first theory centers on parent-child relationships, the second on peer influences and the third on attitudes towards authority. It is clear from the beginning of the article that the authors acknowledge that not one but a

combination of factors are the strongest predictor of delinquent behavior. They noted that familial relationships combined with an association with delinquent peers offers the highest predictor for delinquency (1994, p. 547). Although it might be tempting to assume that parental abuse of their children would be the conclusion here in terms of familial influence, the authors noted this is not necessarily the case. There are parents who give poor directions to children, fail to structure their behavior and do not reward or punish appropriately. Our prediction was that the highest levels of antisocial behavior would occur where poor attachment between parent and child was combined with poor controls. (Hoge, Andrews and Leschied, 1994, p. 547).

Vitaro, Brendgen and Tremblay supported the theory that spending time with deviant friends exerts a great deal of pressure on a young person to adopt the same behaviors. The Peer Influence/Socialization model (Elliott et al., 1985) proclaims that weak bonding to conventional peers leads to association with deviant friends, which in turn is responsible for initiation or aggravation of delinquent behaviors (2002, p. 314). Even though this may be true, the authors also suggested that the presence of even one non-deviant friend may be able to mitigate some of the influence from friends who engage in deviant behavior. Each individual brings their own norms and values and the friendship is unique in that respect. However, deviant peers also amplified the link between disruptive behaviors and later delinquency for early starters (Vitaro, Brendgen, and Tremblay. 2002, p. 316.). These authors also found an interesting result from their study in that if a persons best friend engages in delinquent behaviors, the person will have a tendency towards delinquent behaviors too even if they have friends who engage in positive behaviors.

2.2.2 Family Influence Vitaro, Brendgen, and Tremblay suggested that those theorists who believe in the peer influence model also tend to support the belief that family has a strong influence on the development of positive or delinquent behavior. They stated that some researchers used measures such as parental control, discipline, or supervision whereas other researchers focused on the effective nature of the parent child relationship. A number of studies examined the moderating role of each dimension separately with conflicting results (2002, p. 315).

Matherne and Thomas noted that delinquency is most definitely on the rise in America today. The number of youths who run away from home and the number of drop-outs are increasing every year. They agree that family influence is one of the predictors in the development of delinquent behavior. In fact, they go so far as to state that family influence can be much more powerful than the influence of ones peers (2001, p. 670). This suggests that a positive family influence with strong emotional bonding and positive communication strategies can mitigate the influence of deviant peers in a young persons life. They clarify this by stating that the family type is also extremely important and children/youth from non-traditional families (single parent, reconstituted) have a far greater chance of engaging in delinquent behavior than children/youth from traditional families. For non-traditional families, there was a significant relationship between delinquency and cohesion (Ibid).

In terms of family influence, there may be some validity to the notion that non-traditional families have a more difficult time raising children. There is often the problem of being a single

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parent which means economic resources are stretched to the limit and the parent likely has far less time to spend with their children. A single parent also has the added pressure of trying to provide emotional support for all the children in addition to being the economic support. Some researchers suggest that just as effective parenting can have a positive influence on young people, so the opposite is true. Parents who are poor communicators, unable to establish strong emotional ties and provide little to no support for children risk seeing them engage in delinquent behavior. There is also the more extreme form of dysfunctional parenting with those who engage in illegal or criminal behavior. In studies comparing them to demographically matched controls, children of substance abusers exhibit more behavioral and emotional problems, less socially adaptive behavior, higher rates of psychiatric disorder, and greater use of illicit drugs (Keller, et al., 2002, p. 399).

Clark and Shields studied the effects of family communication on patterns of delinquency. As a general concept, effective family communications could easily be understood as having a positive influence on the children and adults. When parents are able to communicate with their children in compassionate, supportive and non-judgmental tones it does seem more likely that the children will feel understood and accepted. This pattern of communication is more likely to lead to a positive self-image and a higher sense of self-esteem and serve as a buffer against any negative, external factors. Some would suggest that it is not only the communication itself that is of high importance but the focus of the communication (Clark and Shields, 1997, p. 81).

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2.2.3 Race as a Factor in Delinquent Behavior Politicians and the public view youth crime and violence through a prism of race and social class. Pabon also points to statistics which demonstrate that unfortunately minority youth may be a small portion of the population but they represent the majority of youth involved in delinquent behavior. Although youth constituted about 32% of the population in the country in 1995, they represented 68% of the juvenile population in secure detention (p. 6). One of the problems in determining race as a factor in delinquency is to understand the ways in which people of color feel in America today. Many people of color continue to feel as if they lack equality in general. Therefore, it is impossible to discuss race and delinquency without acknowledging this fact. The report on San Mateo County states clearly that youth of color are being detained at a much higher rate than White youth. The researchers also acknowledge the difficulty of tackling that particular subject. Measuring the disproportionate confinement of youth of color and discussing the impact of race and ethnicity in general are difficult due to the fact that measuring race is itself a discipline fraught with inconsistencies (Morris, et al, 2003). . 2.2.4 Self-Esteem as a Factor in Delinquent Behavior Sociological Explanations There is evidence in the research to demonstrate that low self-esteem may also be one of the contributing factors to delinquent behavior. However, one must be careful to understand how self-esteem factors into delinquent behavior for not all children and youth who experience low self-esteem necessarily fall into this pattern of behavior. One specific study points to the fact that Kaplans Self-Derogation Theory of Delinquency has been the primary tool used in the research on the connection between low self-esteem and delinquent behavior. One critique of the Kaplan

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theory notes that it is based primarily on the assumption that people want to feel good about them and will engage in behavior that will boost their self-esteem. When low self-esteem is experienced, individuals are motivated to take action to restore positive self-regard. This self-esteem motive is evident during adolescence, when most boys and girls develop favorable views of self within the confines of commitment to conventional reference groups. (Mason, 2001, p. 84). The notion that people want and need to feel good about themselves is not particularly new. In Kaplans theory however, young people are emotionally vulnerable. When young people experience rejection by their peers, some react by seeking out deviant peers in order to be accepted by people their own age. boys and girls who are rejected by mainstream reference groups will experience lowered self-esteem, decreased commitment to the reference group, and increased motivation to establish deviant peer associations based on involvement in delinquent behavior (Mason, 2001, p. 84). Mason (2001) suggests using latent growth curve modeling as a means of studying the connection between self-esteem and delinquent behavior. ). Latent growth models are unique in that they incorporate information about the means, as well as the variances and covariances, of measured variables. These models, therefore, focuses on both the group and individual levels of analysis (p. 87).

2.2.5Trauma and Delinquency The National Child Traumatic Stress Network has conducted research on the relationship between traumatic events in a young persons life and delinquent behavior. A sad and unfortunate reality of life in our modern world is that far too many children and young people are

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abused and traumatized every day. Some of these abuses are infrequence, whereas others occur on a regular basis. The abuse may vary in nature as physical, sexual, or psychological, or as a combination. There is no doubt that whatever the nature of the abuse; it can have long lasting and profound effects on a young persons life. Another truly sad fact of childhood trauma is that it often involves someone the child has come to know and trust such as a parent, sibling, babysitter, relative, caregiver, or teacher. This violation of trust only multiplies the effect of the trauma or abuse. Numerous studies over the past 10 years have shown a clear relationship between youth victimization and a variety of problems in later life, including mental health problems, substance abuse, impaired social relationships, suicide, and delinquency (Siegfried, & Kelley, 2004, p. 5).

Data is available on the correlation between delinquent behavior and traumatic or abusive incidents through the National Survey of Adolescents (Kilpatrick et al., 2003b). The survey reveals that over 47% of boys who are sexually assaulted will go on to commit delinquent acts, almost 20% of girls who are sexually assaulted go on to commit delinquent acts, 46% of boys who have been physically assaulted commit delinquent acts, and almost 30% of girls who are physically assaulted will commit an act of delinquency The research does indicate that boys and girls who have been neither physically or sexually assaulted also commit delinquent acts but at a significantly lower rate than their peers who have been assaulted in some manner (Siegfried, Ko, & Kelley, 2004).

The World Youth Report cites interesting evidence and research into the connection between trauma and violence in a child or young persons life and committing acts of delinquency. Statistical data in many countries show that delinquency is largely a group phenomenon;

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between two-thirds and three-quarters of all juvenile offences are committed by members of various groups. Even those juveniles who commit offences alone are likely to be associated with groups (Juvenile Delinquency, 2004, p. 191). This report also points out that it is now more imperative than ever to study the connections between trauma and delinquency as juvenile delinquency is on the rise in many countries. In addition to understanding why young people fall into delinquency, it is important for researchers to focus on how to prevent delinquency and how society can support and help to rehabilitate those who have fallen into delinquent behavior (Juvenile Delinquency, 2004).

The U.S. Department of Justice has been monitoring issues related to delinquency for many years now. A 2001 report indicated that rates of juvenile delinquency in the U.S. have gone down but there is still a significant amount of concern over this issue in society. This report states very clearly that maltreatment of children and youth can have a direct relationship with the development of delinquent behavior. The report states: The prevalence of childhood abuse or neglect among delinquent and criminal populations is substantially greater than that in the general population (Wiebush, Freitag, & Baird. 2001, p. 1). This report goes on to state that one of key factors in the difference between those children who go on to engage in delinquent behavior are less likely to have received appropriate intervention in a timely manner. The problem of child abuse and neglect is a serious one and it is unlikely that agencies spread out over such a large country as the U.S. provide the same services. Given the fact that agencies can only do much within their mandate, it is also possible to assume that decision have to be made about which cases to intervene with and when it is possible for them to provide support.

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2.3 Juvenile Justice Administration According to the law journal library, juvenile institutions implemented the family model for they were designed to implant order, discipline and care for the family into institutional life. In effect the institutions become home, peers become the family and staff becomes parents. Programs such as group therapy and classification system to rehabilitate, recycle, remake and remodel of residents. Even though the institution could well be compared to the family aim at reformation, the home environment is quiet different because the institution may seem frightening and threatening to offender and have psychological repercussions on inmates not forgetting the stigma attached.

Progressive reforms are portrayed as sincere attempts to save children from both dangers of large, disorganized cities and the degradation and dehumanization youthful offenders experienced in courtroom and jails (Hawes, 1971). Rendleman, 1971; Schoscman, (1977) find instead an expansion of control. Questioning reformers motives, they argue that the juvenile court was in its very conception an intrusive, coercive and highly discretionary state apparatus targeted primarily at the children of lower classes. The question of juvenile institutionalization is fraught with sharp conflicts. On one hand Jereme Miller and others loudly proclaim that all training schools are bad for children and those youthful offenders must be kept out of them. On the other hand, proponents of punishment model,

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propose that the violence of youth crime is directly related to the permissiveness of the juvenile justice system. Another study which followed up in the United States by 450 youth released for state training schools, discovered that recidivism rate increased each year after discharge reaching 54% in a fourth year. An examination of the re-arrest rates of youth discharged from correctional facilities in New York State found that 51% were picked up by the police within a year of release. In contrast, other studies presented a more favorable picture of the effectiveness of some institutional programs, do produce a modest reduction in recidivism.

Moreover, a more recent review of institutional programs for serious juvenile offenders conducted by Mark Lipsy and David Wilson indicated that although some institutional programs have no appreciable effect on recidivism others were associated with a substantial reduction in subsequent offending. There are quality institutional programs that treat youth humanly and that are operated by caring and professional staff. There is evidence that small secure treatment facilities that target violent and chronic offenders and use therapeutic, cognitive-behavioral and skills training interventions are effective in reducing recidivism by Preston Eldrod, R. Scott Ryder, (2009)

2.4 Reformation and Rehabilitation Program for Juveniles in the World Lotz s Poole Regoli, (1985) Juvenile Delinquency and Juvenile Justice out lines major conceptual models for treating juvenile offenders. A} discipline oriented model

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Advocates a secure work oriented institution with less emphasis on work than on conformity to institutional rules and regulation. The limited program for offenders consists primarily of farm and institutional maintenance work and often primitive academic regulation. The over ridding concern of staff is in maintaining the integrity of the institute through prevention of escape, disorders, insubordination and violation of rules. Order is maintain through regimentation of offenders and the use of punishment systems.

B} Individual treatment model the program focuses on enhancing individual growth. The method is a relationship between the offender as a client and a therapist as a professional such as a psychologist, psychiatric social worker or clinically trained chaplain. The therapist has frequent probing interview with the offender in order to help the delinquent gain greater objectivity of him or herself. Such insight links to maturation. Advocates call for the substitution of group counseling, the use of various staff members as cottage officers as counselors and consultation with other staff regarding day day decisions affecting the delinquent.

C} the home spun model this is a small camp staffed with matured, well adjusted individuals who are firmly committed to working with youth and imbued with good balance of personal concern, firmness and patience. Staff may be expected to lead the youth in organized sports, handicraft projects and other leisure activities. the underlying assumption is that the delinquents are alienated from the adult world of law abiding and self maintaining. The alienation is attributed to lack of dependable parent figure at home and a failure to develop a satisfactory substitute in other respectable citizens. It is reason that the youth can live to trust and respect his

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or her camp counselor. A weakness of this approach is that insufficient attention is given to the poor social environment which confined delinquent tend to come.

D} therapeutic community model it stresses the importance of full and candid communication between confined offenders and staff and has the objective approach of involving the offender in decision making at the center. The youth will gain self control and judgment and would better behave in a non-delinquent way.

E} community oriented model- they see the individual as a product of the social environment. As such the offender should not be separated from the environment as is seen as a failure. Rather rehabilitation should not center on the offender alone but on other social element in his or her community. When delinquents are confined a continual effort is required to work with the community and social institutions to remove the forces that contributed to the delinquency. Correctional Institutions all over the world do not implement one model as a whole but bit and pieces of the other models making it difficult to assess their effectiveness.

2.5 Juvenile Justice Administration in Ghana The accommodation exists of dormitories, with between 5 to 10 youngsters per cell. The cell is about 16 square meters and about 2 square meters is available per person. Cells and corridors for detained minors contain a toilet and taps. There is no central heating available neither do they have air-conditioning. Ventilation and sanitation in the cells are sometimes so poor that in-mates get malaria and other diseases. Other facilities available include recreation room, eating room and a room for staying during the day.

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Food is provided for free from a central kitchen to the detained minors on a 3 times a day basis. The food is examined daily to ensure safety, adequacy and quality by the matron of the institution. Cleanliness rules are not observed on a regular basis by the prison commanding officers. When they enter the juvenile institution detained minors are medically screened for infectious and contagious diseases. This is the only time screening takes place. No cases of selfdestructive acts, attempted suicides and suicides have been reported. Some of the detained minors use drugs. They get those drugs, especially Indian hemp, when they go out to work. Known drug users are held separately from the rest of the detained minors. Counseling has been used as a therapy program for this specific category of detained minors.

There are no known cases of HIV-AIDS, hepatitis and TB cases. Some detained minors, however, suffer from skin diseases. They receive special treatment from specialists such as psychologists, doctors and nurses at the institutions infirmary. Serious cases are referred to the police hospital for treatment. Psychological supervision often takes the form of counseling. Toilets and showers are not clean when compared with the required standards. A limited number of single showers and toilets are available for the youngsters. House cleaning products including soap and toilet papers are distributed irregularly. The water supply works efficiently, and occasionally there is warm water. The minors normally take their bath twice a day.

Formal education is given to offenders with a school background and vocational training is available for non-school children. The average educational level of the detained minors in the institution is a few grades of elementary school. Detained minors receive some vocational

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training during their imprisonment in skills like wood working, leather working, draughtsmanship, electrical installation and ceramics.

In the first three months the youngster is strictly detained to prevent him from running away. After that, the next three months are used to counsel the child. In this period he also studies the various professions from which he can choose the one he would like to learn. The remaining two and a half years are used by the youngsters to learn a profession. Those who have not yet completed their basic education are sent to the Junior Secondary School. Those children who take the training serious are able to get a certificate from the National Vocational and Technical Institute after their training. The detained minors voluntarily work every day from of 9am - 3pm during their stay in the institution. There is no remuneration as their work is seen as part of their training, but they receive some tips from clients they produce things for.

The detained minors receive physical education for one hour per day, doing exercises every morning in the open air. There are also special areas where sports can be played. Placement in an isolation cell is the common disciplinary measure taken against minors by the correctional officers in charge. There are no cases mentioned of bullying, abuse, violence or torture among the detained minors or by the correctional staff.

2.6 Challenges of Correctional Centers Conditions of inmates. It has been realized that juvenile incarceration hinder their progress in education to the higher level because only basic education is offered together with vocational training at the center. Besides inmates are likely to turn to the use of drugs under the influence of

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others. In addition the elderly are seen to bully the younger ones. More over the classification of inmates in to dormitories without taking into consideration the age differences and the offences committed cause the younger ones and those with minor offences to learn new techniques of committing crime. Coupled with the above, the overcrowding nature of the correctional center causes diseases to spread easily among inmates. The quality and kind of food provided to inmates are not the best due to the money supplied to them for feeding.

Finally there are little programs, policies and governmental support to integrate released inmates into the society. The discussion above centered on the causes of juvenile delinquencies, juvenile justice administration in Ghana and their challenges. The focus of the research is on the role the correctional center plays in the reformation and rehabilitation of juvenile offenders.

2.7 Theoretical Framework The social theory on crime consists of the sub cultural theory, social disorganization theory, strain theory and social learning theory and the main proponent is Hirschi Travis. It proposes that exploiting processes of socialization and social learning builds self control and reduces the inclination to indulge in behavior recognized as antisocial. The theory focuses on four control principles: direct: by which punishment is threatened for wrongful act and compliance is rewarded by parents, family and authority figures. Internal: by which a youth refrains from delinquency through the conscience or super ego. Indirect: By identification with those who influence behavior, because his or her delinquent act might cause pain and disappointment to parents and others with whom he or she has close relationship with. Control: through needs satisfaction that is if individuals needs are met there is no point in criminality. Peoples

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relationship, commitment, values and beliefs encourage them not to break the law. Through internalization of moral codes and a stake in the wider community they will voluntarily lower their propensity to commit deviant acts. It considers possible ways to reduce likelihood of criminality developing in individuals. The morality is created in the construction of a social order, assigning cost and consequences to certain choices and defining some as evil or illegal. The social control theorists belief that human nature is inherently antisocial. A leading

proponent of the social control theory, Travis Hirschi (1969), says that We are all animals and all naturally capable of committing criminal acts. Hirschi says that the question; why do people commit crimes? needs no answer. People commit crime because it is their nature to do so, the question that really needs an answer is why do most people not commit crimes? Hirschi asserts that most people do not commit crimes because there is a bond between them and society. People internalize the norms of the society in which they live and in so doing they become moral beings sensitive to the needs of others. The social bonds identified by Hirschi include the ties of respect and affection between children and key people in their lives such as parents, teachers, relatives and friends commitment to social norms of behavior and to success in regard to such values as getting a good education, a good job and being successful, involvement in activities because the more activities a person is involved in the less he or she will have to get into trouble; and finally the fact that most persons are brought up to believe in and respect the law.

Social control theory basically views criminal behavior as a result of inadequate attachment between people and the society in which they live. Hirschi says, the family is viewed as the

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major place where attachments and therefore commitment to norms develop thus social theory advocates the strengthening of the families as a major control strategy.

CHAPTER THREE RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 3.0 Introduction According to Thornhill et al.. (2003), Research methodology is a general plan on how a researcher will go about answering the research questions. This chapter gives a description of the methodology used for the study and data collection techniques employed in the work. The methodology covers the research design, target group, sample techniques, sample size, data collection instrument and the discussion on analyzed data as well as ethical consideration.

3.1 Research Design It provides a frame work for the collection and analysis of data. The study focused on the qualitative and quantitative techniques. The qualitative method is an approach that translates descriptive information into numerical values. Quantitative research has several aims, one of which is to determine the relationship between an independent and dependent variables through the use of graphs and frequencies. The study focused on Borstal home and the extent to which their rehabilitation and reformation programs impact on the inmates at the centre. To be able to ascertain how effective the centre was in the performance of their roles, there was the ,need to study the resource capacity of the centre and its impact on inmates therefore a survey was conducted. A questionnaire was designed to aid the collection of the data. Also a face to face

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interview with respondents and a staff was utilized to collect information. The interview involved a verbal interaction which bordered on their programs, resources, qualification and duties of staff, challenges, opinions and views of the centre. The interview was employed because it provided opportunity for probing and getting an in-depth understanding of issues. 3.2 History of the Study Area The study targeted. Maamobi Senior Boys Correctional Centre is the only boys center nationwide, established in 18 May 1947 under the care of Department of Social Welfare. In 1958, the Prison Service took over the administration of the centre. It was established for reforming and rehabilitating juvenile offenders. The Centre has a motto I shall rise again.. The centre takes into custody juvenile offenders from ages 13 to 17 years under the juvenile justice act (Act 563) 2003 inmates are detained for a minimum of six months and a maximum of three years depending on the gravity of the offence. It has the vision of attaining the 3-Rs namely Reformation, Rehabilitation and Re-integration. Admission to the centre is backed by medical report, Social Enquiry Report and Detention Order. The centre covers about 8 acres of land constituting of administration block, reception, an infirmary, 13 dormitories, 10 workshops and an auditorium, mosque, prison training school, prison officers quarters and James camp prisons. Daily activities begin at 6.30 am with checking, cleaning of surrounding by inmates and move to the work shop. Inmates eat three times daily during which row calls are taken and work shop ends at 3.30pm while dormitories are locked by 5:30pm. CHALLENGES the centre is faced with escape from inmates. Again the centre is operated under the Government of Ghana and most of the time funds for keeping the home are not released on time as such they depend on benevolent organizations like churches, NGOs etc for its operations.
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3.3 Target Population The respondents were mainly inmates and staff of Borstal Home. The centre has inmate population of one hundred and twenty (120). The study took into account 30 respondents, twenty of them were inmates and ten were staff at the centre.

3.4 Sample Technique The study employed both simple random and stratified probability sampling technique. It was realized that inmates belonged to different trades and dormitories .Inmates were put into four different segments namely those under observation, post-immediate observation inmates, midterm inmates and inmates at the terminal stages of their sentence. From those under observation, two (2) inmates were selected, post-immediate observation inmates were three (3), mid-term inmates seven (7) and terminal inmates, eight (8). Since members within each segment could belong to a specific trade, names were written and put together and the number required chosen. Each inmate had equal chance of being selected as a respondent. On the part of the staff, accidental sampling was used because the personnel run shift so people who were available were used as respondents.

3.5 Data Collection The main instrument for data collection for the study was self administered questionnaires and face to face interview with staff. The questionnaire centered on demography, objectives and research question. It was adopted due to the easy manner through which data could be collected. It also provided an avenue for large amount of data collected within a short time.
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3.6 Data Analysis The questionnaires were collected, edited and coded. After that, a data entry template was created using the statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS version 16) software. The data were corrected by running consistency checks on the variables studied. The data were also analyzed using discipline statistics involving frequency distribution and graphs. This proves to be fast and an effective way of understanding the presentations by all.

3.7 Ethical Consideration Before embarking on the field work permission was sought from the Director of Prisons Service through writing. Respondents were also assured of high level of confidentiality, privacy and anonymity that information provided would be used purely for academic purposes. The purpose was to explain to respondent in order to obtain their informed consent. The data collected were managed and used in such a way that the identity of respondent was protected and that no information is directly traced to or associated with any individual respondent.

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CHAPTER FOUR DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION 4.0 Introduction This chapter highlights on the analysis of issues that examines the effectiveness of Borstal Homes in the performance of their roles in Juvenile Justice Administration in Ghana. Issues discussed are the effectiveness of training programs for reformation, living conditions of the Borstal Home (Maamobi), the social relations of inmates, the resource capacity of the institution and the challenges the institution face in performing their duties.

4.1 Categories of Respondents Data was taken from three categories of people which include: the Deputy Director of the Borstal Home at Maamobi, the staff in the institution and the inmates of the home. Table 4.1 shows the distribution of responses and the survey instrument used in acquiring data.

Table 4.1 Categories of Respondents Categories of Respondents Number of Responses Deputy Director of the Borstal centre Staff Inmates Source: Authors Construct, 2012 1 10 20 Interview guide Questionnaire Questionnaire Survey Instrument

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4.2 Background of Respondents 4.2.1 Staff Out of the 10 staffs selected, 5 were males and 5 females. Staff respondents at the Borstal Home have worked at the institution for an average of 14 years with the least experience staff working for 6 years whiles the most experience have worked for 26 years.

4.2.2 Inmates The inmates of the institution are only boys with ages ranging between 14 to 18 years with an average age of 16 years. All the 20 inmates respondents have Ghanaian nationality with the exception of one who is an Ivorian. On educational background, 95 percent of respondents have the basic level with 5 percent at the SHS level of education.

4.3 History of Inmates According to the survey, 45 percent of inmates were in the homes of single parents with 35 percent staying with their mothers. It further shows that only 30 percent of inmates were actually leaving with both parents. It indicates that 70 percent were under single parents, family guardian or friends. The result of this is child delinquency according to literature can be attributed to family influence since little attention is given on the growth of the child and making the child accepted in society.

On the issue of the number of times inmates have come into conflict with the law, 75 percent has a first time experience whiles 15 percent more than twice. The 15 percent represent the recidivist
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and is mostly attributed to poor parental control, lack of love, attention, and care on the part of parent, peer pressure and poor social institutions to help reintegrate the deviant back into the society. Figure 4.1 shows the frequency inmates have come into conflict with the law
16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 once twice more than twice frequency

Figure 4.3.1 Frequency inmates have come in conflict with the law Source: Field Survey, March 2012

The major cases reported at the institution include theft, robbery, defilement and fraud. The survey shows that 40 percent of inmates were convicted as a result of theft cases, 31 percent by robbery cases, and 23 percent by defilement whiles 6 percent are by fraud and threatening cases. . Further analysis shows that 85 percent of cases of robbery and defilement were from inmates with single parenting. These cases are considered to be of higher degree than theft cases. The maximum time of conviction is 3 years and the survey shows that inmates have averagely been in the home for a year and seven months. Statistics from the field also shows that 66 percent of inmates are in their last year of stay at the Borstal Home.

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4.4 Effectiveness of Reformation and Rehabilitation Programs From the survey, 80 percent of inmates were involved in various programs whilst 20 percent were not involved in any program. Programs include ceramics, carpentry, mechanic and draught work. The 20 percent of inmates who were not involved in any program were in their observation period. The observation period is a four month period where inmates use to study and choose programs of their choice. One important factor which ensures effective and efficient reformation is interest. From the survey, the entry requirement for all vocation was interest and it was buttressed by the fact that 93.3 percent chose the vocation they are involved whiles the 6.7 percent chose it with the help of staffs in the institutions. This implies that the willingness to do a particular vocation is available. This will help the program to achieve its intended purpose as compared to lack of personal will of inmates.

Equipment for training programs were adequate as 93.3 percent of inmates in trade thought materials were okay in numbers. However, responses from the staff shows that though equipment and materials for training programs are adequate, they were outmoded and lack modern technology. Hence inmates who graduate from the training programs lack the modern touch of the vocation learnt at the Borstal Home. Inmates visit workshop of training programs four times in a week and the time for each day is two hours. The time for an effective learning of programs like draught work, carpentry, ceramics and mechanics are three years. However, most inmates stay at the home for less than three years. This implies that at the time of acquittal, inmates are not equipped with all necessary skills to practice the vocation. This may lead to inmates stopping the vocation or starting it over when they move out of the home. To further

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buttress the point, 45.3 percent of inmates under various training programs admitted they cannot practice the vocation as at the time of the survey.

The training programs are supposed to serve as a vocation after inmates leaves the Borstal Home. Through the interview with the Deputy Director of the centre it was realized that some inmates after the training, through registration could sit and obtained National Vocational Institute Certificate while others where about to sit for their Basic Education Certificate Examination due to the presence of Formal and Informal Education at the centre. However, for the full benefit of this aim to be achieved, the training has to be effective and structured in a way to well equip inmates even with a short stay. Concerning the training programs Figure 4.2 shows the intention of inmates after they leave the home.

Figure 4.4.1 Intention of inmates after acquittal Source: Field Survey, March 2012

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The figure shows that 46.7 percent of inmates think that they need to build on the skills acquire at the home to equip them with the necessary skills to practice the vocation. However 26.7 percent plan of ignoring the vocation after acquittal. The major reason being the unavailability of interested vocation at the centre and hence the plan of pursuing those vocation after acquittal.

Counseling is one important way of reforming social deviants for the benefit of society and inmates in particular. The survey shows that 40 percent of inmates were of the view that counseling was not regular whiles 60 percent thought that counseling was regular. It further shows that the staffs were mostly taking inmates through counseling and this constitute 65 percent whiles the clergy constitute 35 percent. However, from literature there is the need to employ professionals to handle counseling sections to make reformation effective. However, 90 percent of the inmates thought that counseling section was interactive whiles 10 percent thought that it was counselor centered. Further analysis shows that counseling sections of the clergy were more counselors centered than that of the staff. This implies that the counseling sections of the Borstal lack professionalism. Again 80 percent of the staff were ready to advice inmates on issues of choosing a vocational training and living a life acceptable in society. This is good for the rehabilitation process of the inmates.

4.5 Living and Environmental Conditions at the Borstal Home Conditions at the home have an influence on the reformation and rehabilitation of inmates. Harsh conditions tend to make rehabilitation of inmates difficult and friendly conditions helps in an effective rehabilitation. The living conditions of the home were assessed with the conditions of the room, treatment by staff and food served. From the survey, 70 percent of inmates were of the

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view that room condition was good whiles the rest thought it was fair. The criterion that had below average assessment was food where only 35 percent of inmates thought the food was good in terms of quantity and quality. Respondents who graded accommodation below average said they laid on mattresses on the floor and had torn mosquito window nets. Figure 4.3 gives the visual impression of the criteria and their assessment by inmates. In all, the implication is that the conditions are good for an effective rehabilitation of convicts.

80 70 60 50 Poor 40 30 20 10 0 Room Food Treatment Fair Good

Figure 4.5.1 Conditions at the Borstal Home Source: Field Survey, March 2012.

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On the part of the staff, 40 percent were of the view that food served were fair whiles 50 thought it was better and 10 percent excellent. On accommodation 50 percent graded it above average whiles 30 percent graded it as average and the rest below average.

4.6 Resource Capacity of the Borstal Home An effective rehabilitation and reformation depends on the resources available. The resource capacity of the institution was assessed using number of staff available, the qualification level, room capacity and materials available for vocation training as well as finance. According to the survey, the institution has twelve dormitories for accommodation of inmates which is in excess of six. There is no room congestion as six dormitories are empty. However, materials and equipment for the vocation training were adequate but outmoded. Lack of equipment also poses a challenge on the institution for running vocation like auto electrician, electrical, welding.

Financially, the institution is handicapped in terms of providing daily meals and buying needed materials. The Government of Ghana pays each inmate 60 pesewas a day and this serves as the major fund for running the institution. The implication is that the quality of service the institution can deliver has to be sacrificed.

The working staff is also another area of resource which is vital to the fulfillment of mission of the objectives. The staff serves as agents for the reformation and rehabilitation process. The level of qualification is directly related to the sense of professionalism shown at the institutions. According to the Deputy Director of the Maamobi Borstal Home, the qualification of staff are mostly O-level certification who go through a six months training before being employed as

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Prison Officers who are attached to the centre.. The Staff is therefore not adequately equipped with the professional skills needed for reformation and rehabilitation programs. Trainers in various vocations do not have the modern skills since the level of qualification is at O-level.and limited skills in the various vocations.

4.7 Social Relations of Inmates The purpose of reformation and rehabilitation programs at the centre is to integrate the convicts back into society. Inmates relationship within and outside the institution is very important to their reintegration process. According to the survey, 60 percent receive periodic visitation from family and friends whiles the 40 percent seems to have been ignored by relations outside the centre. However, for effective reintegration of inmates back into society, love from their relations is vital. The survey further shows that 80 percent of relations that visit inmates are parents while friends and guardians constitute 10 percent. The implication of this is that reintegration of the 40 percent inmates will be difficult and are likely to become outcast at the end of their conviction.

Again, 35 percent of inmates confide in their parents when they are faced with problems, 20 percent in staff whiles 30 percent keep the problem to themselves. This poses some challenges on the rehabilitation process since parents are not always in contact with inmates. When these problems are kept within for a long time, it affects their social relations both within and outside the centre. Table 4.2 shows who inmates confide in during times of problems:

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Table 4.2 Inmates and who they trust Relations Parents Staff Friends Personal 7 4 3 6 Frequency percentage 35 20 15 30

Source: Field Survey, March 2012.

Nevertheless, the relationship between inmates and staff is not bad. The survey shows that 65 percent of inmates were of the view that relationship between inmates and staffs are cordial, 25 percent thinks that the relationship is friendly and 10 percent thinks is unfriendly. Data from the staff also shows that relationship between inmates and staffs are cordial and friendly. This implies that reformation and rehabilitation programs will be easier since there is a good relationship between the inmates and staff which is the agent for reformation and rehabilitation.

On the issue of social relations outside the centre, 70 percent of staff admitted that organization of sporting activities between inmates and the outside community were rare while 20 percent were of the view that games with outside communities were enough. However, 75 percent of inmates thought that games with outside communities were in rare cases and were of the view that there should be quarterly organized games to help in their rehabilitation process and easy reintegration. Through the interview it was realized that the centre had no practicing Social Worker and Aftercare Agent who are in charge of welfare of inmates to properly plan reformation, reintegration and a liaison between inmates, their families and the outside populace.

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4.8 Challenges of the Borstal Home The Maamobi Senior Boys Correctional Center is faced with problem of funding. The center is funded by government because it is under the Ghana prison. As with other correctional centers and adult prisons funds are not released on time. We just entered the second d quarter of the year and funds for the first quarter have not been released as such the center relies on charitable organizations most of the time for running the center. Another challenged has to do with use of obsolete equipment for training inmates to facilitate rehabilitation. It came to light that most of the equipment for the various trades was non-existence, outmoded and therefore not in use. Additionally, the center is ill-equipped with human resource in the training of inmates. Currently the staffs of the Borstal institute are people who were attached to the center from the prison service without specialized training. Management acknowledge the urgent need for capacity building of staffs at the center to equip them with new ideas, skills and expertise to broaden their scope and introduce new methods of training inmates. Furthermore, the center lacks the services of aftercare agents and social workers. These personnel are in-charge of the welfare of inmates as well as coming out with intervention strategy for reformation at the center. Reintegration, one of the core values of the center is not given the desired attention it deserves due to lack of collaboration between the Department of Social Welfare, the community and other stakeholders. Finally, the center is faced with occasional escape of inmates coupled with the wrong perception the public have concerning the center and inmates.

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4.9 Research Questions The research was of the view that if answers were found to pertinent questions concerning the study area and the topic, it will go along way to inform conclusions to be drawn and recommendations to come up with. In all two set of questions were asked. Inmate respondents answered one part of the questions while the staffs of the center also answered the remaining set of questions. The findings are outlined below. 1. Will effectiveness of programs designed at the centres impact positively on inmates? The question attracted a 100% positive response from inmates. In other words inmate respondents were of the view that both rehabilitation and reformation programs can facilitate positive changes in the attitude of inmates. They further explanation was that before committal most inmates were without a vocation but due to the institutionalization of inmates they have been introduce to various trades that will equip them to be self reliant and be useful to themselves and the community at large. With the reformation, inmates were with the view that re-socialization where the societal values and norms are re-instilled in them by making them aware that society abhors their behavior. Through counseling and church activities with the clergy and staff, inmates take a sober reflection of their lives and try to imbibe the societal norms to guide them not to indulge in deviant behaviors again.

2. Is there a direct relationship between reformation, rehabilitation and resource capacity of the centre? Out of the 100% of the staff, 88.9% were of the view that there was a direct relationship because resources in the form of facilities, funds, equipment for training and well trained personnel with the needed skills to impact on inmates as well as proper

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counseling and intervention plan can facilitate change process in them. Moreover, the availability of needed facilities makes inmates feel comfortable not rejected and discriminated against. The 11.1% explained that the presence of the resources can help to some extent but they believed that the onus lies in the individual to change from deviant behavior to an acceptable way of life. In a nutshell the research questions in both cases were largely accepted.

CHAPTER FIVE SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, RECOMMENDATION AND CONCLUSION 5.0 Introduction The research was undertaken at Maamobi Senior Boys Correctional Home and the topic was centered on assessing the effectiveness of correctional centers in the performance of their roles in juvenile justice administration. It was realized from an interview with the Deputy Director that the centre is into the reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates into the larger society. The study wanted to find out how effective the centre was in achieving the objectives. The focus of the study was on assessing the programs, resource capacity, inmates social relationship and challenges faced in achieving these 3-RS were and whether they are being achieved effectively.

The study took into perspective the Social Theory on crime. The focus is on re-socialization of inmates at the centre, by families and the larger society to imbibe in inmates the approved societal norms and values. So the correctional centre was chosen as a reference point to know how effective the reformation and rehabilitation program being pursued are likely to foster
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attitudinal changes in inmates. To help arrive at the needed reformation, objectives centered on the programs effectiveness, resource capacity of the centre, relationship between inmates, personnel and the outside world as well as the challenges being faced at the centre. The information was put in a form of interview and questionnaire given to inmate respondents and staff respondents for their responses. The literature reviewed focused on juvenile justice system around the world, causes of juvenile delinquency, reformation and rehabilitation programs around the world and the challenges faced by the centre in its daily administration. 5.1 Summary of Findings It was realized that inmates of average age of 18years were at the centre and over 70% were living with either single parents or both before committal. Again, it came to light that from observation and post immediate observation, inmates could enroll into any vocation of interest such as carpentry, ceramics, draughtmanship, welding, mechanics, tailoring, shoe making and so on. Staff respondents agreed that the vocation is to transform and rehabilitate inmates to fit well into society upon release. Most inmate respondent expressed the idea of building upon the skills learnt or setting up workshop to make to make use of the skills acquired. The minority group thought of furthering their education or ignoring the vocation learnt since the vocation they actually wanted was not pursued at the centre. From the study, it was realized that the centre was not having a well structured reformation program where inmates are given proper counseling services with professionals. It was found out

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that inmate received advice and counseling through representatives from the clergy who worship with inmates as well as some staff. On the living conditions in terms of food, there was mixed reactions from respondents. Whilst some felt the food was of high quality, others felt it was of low quality and quantity. With accommodation, almost all respondents felt it was good likewise the treatment inmates were going through. The environmental atmosphere was serene because of the proper sanitary condition and non overcrowding nature of the centre as seen in adult prisons. On relationship, both staff and inmate respondents said there was a cordial relationship between inmates and staff especially with inmates who portrayed positive change in behavior. Staff respondent willingly advised inmates on the need to change from certain deviant behaviors. Most inmates had relatives visiting them regularly whiles others have not had visitors since their committal. Inmates rarely engaged in fun game with people outside the centre. From the study, it was realized that specialists like clinical psychologist, aftercare agents, social workers or professional counselors were not available at the centre. Moreover, the centre face challenges with funding, inadequate tools and equipment and well equipped training officers.

5.2 Conclusion The study has highlighted issues of rehabilitation and reformation of the juvenile offender at a Correctional Centre and the importance of resource capacity. The study confirmed that the resource capacity is directly related to the effectiveness and efficiency of correctional homes. From the study, the researcher has come to a conclusion that the correctional centre in not a crime college as it is being perceived outside the walls of the centre. This is because the centre

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is not over crowded like adult prison and inmates have access to food three times daily as well as having access to television in their dormitories even though its watching is controlled. More over inmates go through rehabilitation programs to equip them with needed skills to be better off upon release from the centre. The reformation programs being organized is not taken care of by specialist. Reintegration though a major goal of the centre is not captured at all in their programs because there is no Social Worker or After Care Agent to fully coordinate between the centre, Department of Social Welfare, families and the larger society.

5.3 Recommendation First and foremost, as a way of curbing juvenile delinquencies, some of the root causes should be looked into and solutions found to them. From the study, it was found out that most inmates were either living with a single parent or both. Parents are encouraged to spend more time with their wards and instill in them societal values that are acceptable. More so, parents should be aware of the friends their children move with both in school and in the neighborhood. There should be mass education on the print and electronic media on the moral decadence in our society and educate parents on various parenting styles and skills and socialization to instill in the young ones the norms and values of the society.

At the correctional centre, reformation programs should be carried out vigorously along side rehabilitation programs. As such a social worker, clinical psychologist and aftercare agent should be employed to carefully plan out reformation programs and other intervention strategies for individual inmate as well as the group as a whole to go hand in hand with church activities organized at the centre. Again, fun games should be organized for inmates and people out side

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the centre to reduce the level of apathy, stigmatization and abandonment inmates may be feeling. Staff more importantly those under the various vocation should be well equipped and given constant workshops and refresher courses in their areas of specialty as well as on English language to be abreast of the dynamic environment.

Furthermore, there should be awareness creation and constant education on the media about the role and operation of the centre to change the wrong perception the public have about the centre. Moreover, the centre should be opened to the public to learn more of their operations.

Government should increase the daily money allocated to each inmate now purged at (GHp0.60). These funds should be released on time since it was realized that funds allocated were not released on time making the centre rely on benevolent institutions its running. Furthermore, there should be routine maintenance such as painting, spraying the dormitories, changing the worn out nets as well as resourcing the centre with modern tools and equipment to facilitate rehabilitation programs. Additionally, Government should ensure that the Department of Social Welfare liaise with the Correctional Centre, the families of inmates and other stake holders to properly plan reintegration of juvenile offenders for them to fit well in the society. More importantly, other alternate sources of punishment other than incarceration of inmates such as community service and probation should be introduced. As such more Probation Officers and Social Workers should be trained to supervise and plan programs to help reform young offenders. As a matter of urgency, Government should attach aftercare agents and social workers to attend to reformation and welfare needs of inmates. On the other hand, more Non Governmental Agencies (NGOs)

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should come to the aid of the centre in their quest to rehabilitate and reform inmates by providing both in cash and in kind.

Finally civil society should be educated to refrain from discrimination and stigmatization against inmates but rather show concern and acceptance towards them since it will help prevent inmates from drifting back to deviant behaviors.

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REFERENCES

A thesis submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Doctor of Law in the Faculty of Law of the University of the Western Cape, South Africa by ODONGO GODFREY ODHIAMBO Antwi Bosiakoh, T(2005). Modelling Sutherlands Differential Association theory at Micro Level: A Study of Juvenile Delinquents at Ghana Borstal Institute. Project work submitted to the Department of Sociology, University of Ghana, Legon.

Juvenile Justice Act, 2003 of Ghana, (Act 563)

Bachara, G.H and Zaba, J.N (2007) Learning Disabilities and Juvenile Delinquency. Retrieved from http://cad.sagepub.com/content/early/2009/05/27/pdf on April 24 2011

Burgess RL, Akers RL(1996). Differential Association-Reinforcement Theory of Criminal Behaviour. Social Problems, 14(2): 128-147Problems, 14(2): 128-147. Assessed from http://cjp.sagepub.com/content/17/2/127 on April 2011.s

David Nosworthy (2009), Seen, but not Heard: Placing Children and Youth on the Security Governance Agenda, Transaction Publishers Rutgers University USA.

Gibbons D (1999). The Criminological Enterprise. Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentice-Hall, Inc.

Glaser D (2003). Criminal Theories and Behavioral Images. Am. J. Sociology., 61: 433-444.

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Retrieved from http://www.jcu.edu.au/tldinfo/writingskills/models/papers/SY2003essay1.pdf on April 2011

Grande, C.G and Koorland, M.A (2005) A complex Issue; Special Education in Correction. Children and Youth Service Review.

Griffin BS, Griffin CT (1999). Differential Association and Marijuana Use. Paper presented at the Midwest Sociological Society meeting (April 25-28, 1973, Milwaukee, Wisconsin).

Gunter WD (2006). Internet Piracy and College Students: A Test of Differential Association and Other Theories. Paper presented at theAnnual Meeting of the American Society of Criminology (ASC), Los Angeles Convention Center, Los Angeles, CA, Nov 01, 2006

Hirschi,Travis(1969). Juvenile Delinquency .Berkeley :University of California press.

Kim YS, Lo C, Church WT (2005). An Examination of Differential Association Theory with Different Social Contexts: Urban, Suburban, and Rural Areas. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Criminology, Royal York, Toronto Police, Schools and Crime Prevention: A preliminary review of current practices. ICPC, 2004.

Lotz Poole Regoli, (1985). Juvenile Delinquency and Juvenile Justice. By Random House Inc USA Preston Elrod, R Scott Ryder (2009) Juvenile Justice A social, Historical and Legal Perspective

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Assessed from http://www.alibris.com/search/books/qwork/3488989/used/Juvenile%20Justice% on May 2011.

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UN Economic and Social Council, Resolution 2005/20, Guidelines on Justice in Matters involving Child Victims and Witnesses of Crime (New York: 2005), http://www.un.org/ docs/.pdf (accessed March 2011).

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APPENDIX UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION WINNEBA-KUMASI CAMPUS A questionnaire designed for the department of Business Management The researcher is a student of the University of Education Winneba-Ksi undertaking a research on the resource capacity as well as the Role of the correctional institute in reforming and rehabilitating inmates. As part of data collection exercise, questionnaires would be administered soliciting information from both inmates and personnel. I would appreciate it if you respond to the questions below: QUESTIONNAIRE FOR INMATES DEMOGRAPHY (1) Age: (2) Nationality a. Ghanaian [ ] b. Other specify . (3) What is your level of education? a. JHS [ ]
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b. SHS [ ] c. Other specify [ ] (4) Who were you staying with before your commital? a. Mother [ ] b. Father [ ] c. Both Parent [ ] d. Guardian [ ] OFFENCES (5) Have you ever come into conflict with the law? a. Yes [ ] b. No [ ] (6) How many times have you been in conflict with the law? a. Once [ ] b. Twice [ ] c. More than twice [ ] (7) What kind of offence brought you to the centre? a. Theft [ ] b. Assault [ ] c. Defilement [ ] d. Unlawful entry [ ] (8) How long have you been in the correctional centre? . ..

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REHABILITATION PROGRAMS (9) Are you into any trade or vocation? a. Yes [ ] b. No [ ] (10) Whose decision was it to learn that trade? a. Self [ ] b. Staff [ ] c. Parent /guardian [ ] (11) Are the equipment and resources for the program available?

a. Yes [ ] b. No [ ] c. Other (12) How many times do you go for training in a week? Specify

.. (13) Can you practice the skills you have learned?

a. Yes [ ] b. No [ ] (14) Do you encounter problems in learning the trade?

a. Yes [ ] b. No [ ] (15) How do you intend to utilize your skill upon release?

a. Ignore it [ ] b. Build upon it [ ]

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c. Set up work shop [ ] LIVING CONDITIONS (16) i. How would you describe the living conditions at centre in terms of Food;

a. poor [ ] b. fair [ ] c. good [ ] d. ii. excellent [ ] Room;

a. Poor [ ] b. Fair [ ] c. Good [ ] d. Excellent [ ] iii. Treatment

a. Poor [ ] b. Fair [ ] c. Good [ ] d. Excellent [ ] RELATIONSHIP (17) Do you receive visitors?

a. Yes [ ] b. No [ ]
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(18)

Who normally pays you a visit

a. Parents [ ] b. Guardian [ ] c. Friends [ ] d. No one [ ] (19) Who do you confide in when faced with challenges?

a. Parents [ ] b. Staff [ ] c. Friends [ ] d. None of the above [ ] (20) How would you describe the relationship between staff and inmates?

a. Unfriendly [ ] b. Cordial [ ] c. Friendly [ ]

REFORMATION PROGRAMS (21) How often do you go for counseling?

a. Rarely [ ] b. Often [ ] c. Frequently [ ] d. Always [ ] (22) Who takes inmates through counseling?

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a. Staff [ ] b. Professional counselor [ ] c. Other specify (23) How is the counseling session like?

a. Interactive [ ] b. Counselor centred [ ] c. Other, specify .. (24) What have learnt from your stay at the center?

(25) Suggest ways of making the centre effective in the discharge of their duties.

. (26) Do you think programs instituted at the centre will enhance inmates rehabilitation

and reformation? a. Yes [ ] b. No [ ] QUESTIONNARE FOR STAFF 1. Sex: a. Male [ ] b. Female [ ]

2. How long have you supervise inmates? ................................................................................ 3. Do you live at the centre? a. Yes [ ] b. No [ ]

4. What is your area of specialty?

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Rehabilitation programs 5. How many inmates are under your care? .. 6. Does your department have the necessary materials for training? a. Yes [ ] b. No [ ]

7. If No, which materials /equipment are not available? . .. 8. What is the minimum requirement for admission in the trade? a. JHS Level [ ] b. Interest [ ] c. Ability to read and write [ ] d. Other 9. Could you please state some of the impact the training has on inmates? ... 10. How long does it take one to be more equipped? .......................................................................................................................................... 11. Describe the motive of the training provided. .

RELATIONSHIP 12. What is the level of interaction between staff and inmates? a. Unfriendly [ ] b. cordial [ ] c. friendly [ ] No [ ]

13. Do you willingly advice inmates? a. Yes [ ]

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14. If yes, what does the advice border on? ................................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................. 15. How often do inmates engage in games with people outside the centre? a. Rarely [ ] CHALLENGES 16. Outline the challenges in the area of: a. Program equipment i. ii. iii. iv. b. Food i. ii. iii. iv. Poor Fair Good Excellent Non-available Obsolete Inadequate Adequate b. often [ ] c. frequently [ ] d. always [ ]

c. Accommodation i. ii. iii. iv. Poor Fair Good Excellent

17. What should be brought on board to make the training more effective? ..
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 18. What should be done to improve the image of the centre to the rest of the citizenry?.......... .. 19. What are the intended outcomes of the training? 20. Is there a direct relationship between resource capacity and Reformation and Rehabilitation of inmates?s a. yes[ ] b. no[ ]

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INTERVIEW GUIDE 1. What are the roles of the correctional centre? 2. Has the institution put in place programs to reform and rehabilitate inmates? 3. Identify some of these programs. 4. What are the qualification and duties of officers? 5. Has the institute a professional and practicing social worker and aftercare agent? 6. Can you outline some of the benefits the programs have on inmates

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