Purpose – This study aims to explore the family experiences of delinquent adolescents and uses a descriptive phenomenological research design. Design/methodology/approach – The study explores the family experiences of delinquent adolescents and uses a descriptive phenomenological research design. Eight adolescents that were under detainment in a rehabilitation centre in Malaysia participated in the study. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews and reflective journals. Findings – Five themes common to the participants’ experience were inductively identified from the analysis. These were: life without guidance, alienation and isolation, conflict on how the family is managed; I amstill a little child and prisoners at home.