ANALYSING THE EXPERIENCES OF STREET CONNECTED CHILDRN WITH THE JUSTICE SYSTEM: A CASE OF MZUZU CITY BY

Street-connected children are among the most vulnerable populations interacting with the criminal justice system, often facing discrimination, criminalization, and limited access to legal protection. This study analyses the experiences of street-connected children with the justice system in Mzuzu City, Malawi, with the aim of understanding how legal institutions respond to their unique circumstances. The research explores patterns of arrest, detention, treatment by law enforcement officers, access to legal representation, and the broader social and structural factors shaping these interactions.
A qualitative case study approach was employed, drawing data from in-depth interviews with street-connected children, key informant interviews with police officers, social welfare officials, and representatives of civil society organizations, as well as document review of relevant legal and policy frameworks. The findings reveal that street-connected children in Mzuzu City frequently experience arbitrary arrests, prolonged detention, and verbal or physical abuse while in police custody. Many children reported limited knowledge of their legal rights and minimal access to legal aid or child-friendly justice mechanisms. Law enforcement responses were largely punitive, often influenced by negative stereotypes that associate street life with criminal behavior.
The study further identifies systemic challenges, including inadequate training of justice officials on child rights, weak coordination between the justice system and social welfare services, and insufficient implementation of child-protection laws. These challenges contribute to the continued marginalization of street-connected children and undermine their access to justice.
The study concludes that while legal frameworks exist to protect children in conflict with the law, their practical application remains limited in Mzuzu City. It recommends strengthening child-friendly justice practices, enhancing legal awareness among street-connected children, and improving collaboration between justice institutions and social support services to ensure.