Abstract:
This study focuses on two complementary questions regarding the lived experience of minors during and after incarceration in a given correctional center from Low and Middle Income country (Rwanda): (1) what is the lived experience of minors during incarceration and rehabilitation at Nyagatare correctional center? (2) How much have this experience affected the reintegration of returning minors, 6 months later?
The study includes 23 participants divided into three categories: The first category is composed by 10 minors all detained in Nyagatare Correctional center and have been released after serving their sentences and live currently in their community at least since the last six months or above. The second category is their family members (10) and the third category is composed of staff involved in their psycho education rehabilitation (3).
These adolescents incarcerated at Nyagatare described crimes they committed such as infanticide, abortion, rape, theft, and homicide and drug abuse. The crimes committed by minors are sexual or reproductive-health related (rape, abortion) morale crimes characterizing antisocial behaviours (theft, drug abuse). Participants described their pre-incarceration life emphasizing on their own roles and the influence of the structure and organisation of families and community they grew up in. Factors such as low levels of parental support of minors and young people, lack of affection between family members, particularly from parents to children; poor supervision and monitoring; etc are highlighted.
At the entrance in the rehabilitation center, every minor described his/her own behavior problems. However, with a help benefited since the period of rehabilitation and after being reintegrated, it is observable that currently, the majority manifest more positive behaviors. The former beneficiaries of the rehabilitation services testify that Nyagatare center was as a school where they learnt to develop a positive way of thinking and believe that it has saved their lives. The study noted a strong relationship between rehabilitation services and the behavior change after the integration. There is a need to follow-up these minors for a long period to determine the long time impact of the rehabilitation process.
