Factors, Nature and Extent of Children in Conflict with the Law in Addis Ababa

Abstract

Early studies in Ethiopia show that delinquency problem has its roots in the emergence of children on the streets; a vagrancy phenomenon. In early 1940s and 1960s juveniles were arrested for deviant behavior like vagrancy (Tesfaye, 1998). Vagrancy, a rootless wandering dangerous class (Crowther, 2000) indicates behaviors of delinquency (Diressie, 1999). Later studies of 1970s gave indications that the issue of vagrancy (delinquency) is becoming a threat to the tranquility and social orders of the society. Social control theory and related social bond elements were assessed among comparative groups; juveniles in a remand home (77) and juveniles in a high school (49), a non delinquent control group and a non delinquent group. Delinquents' guardians, (21) were interviewed, too. Police records informed the nature and prevalence of the problem. The data show significant statistical differences between the two juvenile groups. Parents' instability, single parenthood & siblings' runaways; poor home leadership (fathers), child-guardian attachments and community service; watching violent films and not rewarding performance, were all linked to delinquency. Embracing protestant faith and mothers working at home are associated with non delinquency. The research hypothesis "poor parenting predicts delinquency behaviour" was tested and accepted at the 5% level. Investment in juveniles early in life, unleashing the potential of community social workers and protestant communities are recommended for prevention, minimization or mitigation of delinquent behaviors.