PRIORITIZING JUVENILE HOME POLICY AND CHILD WELFARE: AUGURY SECURITY FOR THE FUTURE OF LAGOS STATE

Abstract

Correctional institutions especially custodial homes are core components of juvenile administration globally and Nigeria is not an exception, it serves as evidence of government interest in the reformation, rehabilitation, and reintegration of delinquent juveniles especially those confined, which ascertain that no aspect of the social life of a citizen that has no connection to policy a key process in spelling out intentions and objectives of the government. To realize this interest government has to establish ministries, agencies, and departments saddled with the realization of the welfare of juveniles in various custodial homes this responsibility is managed by the Ministry of Youth and Social Development in Lagos State. Hence, it is difficult to think of any aspect of the social life of a citizen that has no connection to policy, and this is a key process in spelling out the intentions and objectives of the government. Unfortunately, issues concerning children’s welfare, rights, and opportunities fall outside the purview for which the National Assembly can make exclusive laws binding across states of the federation in Nigeria, therefore this study examined the credibility of the Lagos State Child Right Law as a foundation for the establishment of Lagos State juvenile homes policy and appraise the performance of the Child Right Law in terms of juvenile welfare in Lagos State custodial homes with key indicators.