JUVENILE DELINQUENCY IN THE SULTANATE OF OMAN: CAUSES, METHODS OF PREVENTION AND TREATMENT

This qualitative study discussed juvenile delinquency in the Sultanate of Oman. It aimed at: diagnosing the main causes of juvenile delinquency, knowing the methods of prevention of juvenile delinquency, and the treatment methods used for juvenile delinquency in the juvenile correctional home. The analytical descriptive approach and the qualitative approach were used to collect data through individual interviews, to identify the dimensions of the problem of juvenile delinquents. The study population consisted of (71) juveniles who were deposited in the juvenile correctional home. A random sample of (5) juveniles was chosen, in addition to (2) specialists in the correctional home. The researcher prepared a personal interview sheet by taking advantage of the theoretical literature, and the interview questions that answer the study questions were developed. The data was analyzed using the analytical method and the content analysis method. The results of the study showed the following: Most of the misdemeanors were, and this result is consistent with many of the results of previous studies. And the most causes of delinquency were in the first place accompanying bad friends. In the second place came the excessive coddling and excessive cruelty of the parents, and the economic level of the family came in the third rank. From the point of view of the social worker, the most important methods of preventing juvenile delinquency are; Activating the method of dialogue and understanding in the family and not involving the juvenile in family conflicts. The necessity of tightening family supervision over children. As for the methods of treating juvenile delinquency currently applied, they are: Providing aspects of social, psychological, educational and professional care for the juvenile, in a way that helps the juvenile adapt to his situation, and assists in his rehabilitation program to return to his community again.