Youth Empowerment and Crime Control in Ado Ekiti Local Government Area

ABSTRACT This study examined the effect of single parenthood on juvenile delinquency among Universities students in Ekiti State. Research questions were raised to guide the study; questionnaires were structured to elicit information from the one hundred respondents. The data collected were analyzed using mean and standard deviation. A cut off points of 2.50 was as decision rule. The demographic data of respondents were analyzed using frequency counts and percentage while research questions raised to guide the study were answered using descriptive statistics of frequency count, percentage, mean and standard deviation. The findings suggest that economic instability in single-parent households is a significant predictor of juvenile delinquency. Adolescents from low-income single-parent households are more likely to engage in delinquent behavior due to factors such as inadequate supervision, limited access to education and job opportunities, and increased stress and frustration. Recommendations are made that Governments and organizations should provide economic empowerment programs, such as financial assistance, job training, and education, to support single-parent households and reduce economic instability. Community-based programs, such as mentorship, after-school activities, and counseling, should be implemented to provide support and guidance to adolescents from single-parent household