Adolescent Risk Behaviour Assessment and Counselling Needs in Correctional Facilities in Plateau State, North Central Nigeria

Adolescents in correctional facilities represent a psychologically vulnerable population with complex risk behaviour profiles and unmet counselling needs, yet systematic assessment of these needs in North Central Nigerian correctional contexts is limited. This study assesses risk behaviours and counselling needs among adolescent detainees in Plateau State correctional facilities. A descriptive mixed-methods design is applied to 120 male and female adolescents aged 12 to 17 years in Jos and Barkin Ladi correctional centres, using census sampling. The Adolescent Risk Behaviour Scale, the Child Trauma Screening Questionnaire, and a structured Counselling Needs Questionnaire are administered alongside qualitative key informant interviews with 10 correctional staff. Descriptive statistics and chi-square analysis are performed in SPSS, with interview data thematically analysed. Available forensic psychology literature from North Central Nigeria identifies substance abuse, gang affiliation, sexual risk behaviour, and prior trauma exposure as the dominant risk profiles among incarcerated adolescents, with limited access to qualified counsellors as the most critical service gap. The Risk-Need-Responsivity Model and the Trauma-Informed Approach to youth corrections provide the theoretical framework. Findings will guide the Nigerian Correctional Service and the Plateau State Social Welfare Ministry in developing adolescent-specific psychological intervention protocols. Keywords: adolescent risk behaviour, counselling needs, correctional facilities, Plateau State, North Central Nigeria.