An Integrated Approach to Addressing Juvenile Delinquency in Tanzania; A Case Study of Ilala Municipality

Juvenile delinquency is not a new social problem in the world. It can be defined as the criminal behaviour among young people as they negotiate the transition from childhood to adulthood in an increasingly complex and confusing world. This research study was conducted in Ilala Municipality in Dar es Salaam with the intention of exploring the role of the integrated approach in addressing juvenile delinquency in Tanzania. The integration regards two systems namely; formal and informal juvenile justice systems. The formal juvenile justice system involves those workers of the government official agencies dealing with juveniles such as the DSW, retention homes, juvenile courts, approved school and the Police Desk for Gender and Children. The informal system involves the actions taken by citizens to respond to juvenile offenders without involving the official agencies of juvenile justice. These are parents, teachers, social workers, local government leaders, religious leaders and practitioners of private social agencies dealing with children. Children and young people were involved as part of the research subjects to fulfil the social work principle of self-determination. The study uses a descriptive research design and it involved one hundred respondents. Research data were obtained through filling in the questionnaire forms, interviews as well as taking part in focus group discussions. Both qualitative and quantitative research approaches were used in this study. Findings revealed that each system has its vital strength and deliberate efforts should be made to ensure a working relationship between the two systems so as to overcome juvenile delinquency. The majority of the respondents suggested that social workers should become focal persons in facilitating the integration because they are the ones who can easily ensure a link among all other stakeholders involved in addressing the problem