Between Hope and Neglect: Juvenile Offenders' Perspectives on Probation and Reintegration in KP, Pakistan

This study examines the role of probation officers and the effectiveness of probation in supporting the social reintegration and behavioral transformation of juvenile offenders in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Adopting a qualitative phenomenological approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 ex-juvenile offenders who were under probation supervision in District Dir. The findings reveal a sharp mismatch between theoretical considerations of probation and actual practice. Juvenile offenders reported confusion about the aims and purpose of probation services, lack of interaction with probation officers during critical phases like police custody and reintegration, and insufficient support for rehabilitation. The study highlights the need for improved communication on probation goals, increased involvement of probation officers from arrest through reintegration, and enhanced support for juvenile offenders. Recommendations include developing training programs for juvenile offenders, ensuring probation officer involvement from arrest, introducing monitoring systems, and fostering community partnerships for better reintegration outcomes.