Over the past decade, there has been a dramatic increase in the study of family structure and
its impact on child well-being, growth, as well as development of delinquency behaviour.
However, there is limited reliable literature on what experiences and challenges the different
family structures encounter, in dealing with delinquent children in Botswana. Therefore, the
purpose of this study is to explore and describe the experiences and challenges the different
family structures face, in dealing with delinquent children in Botswana.
The study utilised an explorative-descriptive qualitative methodological approach. Semistructured
interviews and focus group discussions were used to collect data from five focus
group discussions with learners at the Bana Ba Metsi School, individual interviews with staff
members, working with learners, as well as individual interviews with families of some
learners, making up a research sample of 47 participants for the entire study. The collected data
was analysed using a thematic analysis method.
The participants reported that their children’s delinquent activities led to mostly negative
experiences, such as shame, embarrassment, psychological pain, discrimination, stress and
depression. They also reported happiness, due to their children’s behaviour modification, as a
result of attending the Bana Ba Metsi School. It is evident from the findings, though, that they
encountered challenges, such as the long distance between their homes and the school, the lack
of communication with their children, the lack of resources, as well as the lack of family
support.
However, they disclosed strategies that they employed to deal with the challenges, such as
attending support groups, counselling, family discussions and prayer. In conclusion, the results
of this study have practical implications for all personnel dealing with such families, including
the social welfare departments, as well as schools coping with juveniles.