DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILY PATTERNS ON CHILDREN’S WELLBEING AND SOCIAL WORK REMEDIATION STRATEGIES IN SELECTED IKENNE LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMUNITIES, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to investigate the dysfunctional family patterns on children’s wellbeing and the social work remediation strategies in selected communities within Ikenne Local Government, Ogun state. The objectives were to examine the causes and cases of dysfunctional family pattern among the residents within communities of Ikenne Local Government; ascertain the effect of dysfunctional family pattern on the wellbeing of communities in Ikenne Local Government; determine the existing interventions that are being engaged to mitigate against dysfunctional family patterns among the residents within communities of Ikenne Local Government; and determine the social work remediation strategies. The study utilized the Identity Control Theory and the Family Systems Theory in explaining the phenomenon under study. The population of Ilishan community selected as the area of study in Ikenne Local Government was estimated to be 25,894 while the sample size for the study was 25 participants. The qualitative method which involved the use of both the use of Interview and Focused Group Discussion as techniques to gather data and the results was analyzed using Thematic Analysis. The results of the study showed that dysfunctionality in families in the Ilishan Community can be traced to many causes ranging from individual specific factors such as alcoholism, infidelity, and drug abuse to socio-economic factors that inform the financial contributions of the parents on how they meet the needs of the children and the home in general. The study further established that the impact of dysfunctionality are far-reaching and at transcends beyond the physical to the academic, emotional, psychological and even the social health of children in the Ilishan community. Findings also showed that dysfunctionality can occur in various forms and leads to poor academic performance of children, poor reputational image of family, poor social participation, social misbehaviour and other negative psychological effects. The study was concluded on the note that the Government, Non-governmental organizations, School Authorities and other stakeholders should make concerted effort to mitigate the dysfunctionality in families. Keywords: Behaviour, Children, Dysfunctional, Family, Remediation, Social Work, Welfare