ATTACHMENT STYLES AND DELINQUENT BEHAVIOUR OF CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE CENTRES IN NJIRU WARD, KASARANI SUB-COUNTY, NAIROBI COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

Abstract The objective of this project was to examine attachment styles and delinquent behaviour of children brought up in foster care centres in Njiru Ward, Kasarani SubCounty, Nairobi County, Kenya. It was directed by these research questions: what are the attachment styles and delinquent behaviour patterns among foster children in Njiru Ward? What is the prevalence of delinquent behaviour among foster children in Njiru Ward? What is the relationship between attachment styles and delinquency among foster children in Njiru Ward? What are the intervention strategies of delinquency arising from attachment styles among foster children in Njiru Ward? This study was informed by the Attachment Theory, Anomie Theory, Sub-Culture and Differential Opportunity Theories. A descriptive cross-sectional survey research design was utilized in this research whereby the positivism paradigm was adopted. The target population included 19 foster care centres in Njiru Ward, children (aged 7 to 18 years) (1060), caregivers (house fathers and mothers) (38) and directors (19). In total, the target population was 1,117. A sample of 336 (318 children, 12 caregivers, and 6 directors) was selected for the research. Proportionate random sampling technique was utilized to choose the children whereas purposive sampling was used for selecting the care givers and directors. Interview guides and Questionnaires were utilized in data gathering. The reliability and validity of instruments was measured. Quantitative and qualitative approaches of analysis were utilized in the project. The quantitative data was analysed using SPSS. Inferential and descriptive statistics were utilized in analysing quantitative information. Descriptive statistics was summarized using frequencies and percentages and presented utilizing tables, figures as well as pie-charts. For the inferential statistics, regression analysis was integrated. This helped to assess the relationship among the attachment styles and delinquent behaviour among the children. Qualitative information (interviews) was analysed thematically and presented narratively. The research established that there was a statistical important relationship among attachment styles and delinquent behaviour among children in foster homes in Njiru Ward. The delinquent behaviours prevalent among the children included drug and substance abuse, sneaking, and fighting. The study recommended that there is a need for advocacy to be carried out among the children living in foster care homes on the positive and ethical behaviours that they can embrace so as to live in harmony with others. Care givers need to be equipped with guidance and counselling skills and the quality and standards of foster homes investigated by the government.