Thesis (MA (Psychology))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has adopted an approach to corrections based on the principle of restoration. This restoration takes place between the offender and the victim, the community and their own family and within themselves. According to DCS, rehabilitation can not take place without restoration (The White Paper on Corrections in South Africa, 2005). For this reason the DCS has shown a concerted commitment to the promotion of restorative justice programmes as part of offender rehabilitation. The aim of the study is to assess the perception that juvenile offenders, who were in prison at the time of the study, have of restorative justice in prison. The findings obtained in this regard could be used to contribute to various aspects of restorative justice in prisons such as what offenders perceive to be indications of readiness to participate in such programmes; the perceived effect of restorative justice programmes on the offender; what facilitative mechanisms can be used, and the extent of the need to educate offenders with regard to restorative justice. The findings could be used to contribute to programme presentation and ultimately to the outcomes of restorative justice programmes in prison. Twenty three participants that were selected were juvenile offenders aged between 18 and 20. They were all serving sentences of more than 2 years, and had served at least 2/3 of their sentence and/or are about to be released. The offences of the participants included economic, violent, sexual and homicide crimes. The DVD titled Burning Bridges was used as a research stimulus and data was gathered by means of individual interviews and a focus group discussion. The data revealed that offenders need to be educated about the principles and practices of restorative justice programmes. The offenders’ ability to address the victim and the community needs to be assessed, as well as their ability to recall and talk about their crime. There should also be a focus on the offender’s general behaviour in prison, which includes their willingness to use the opportunities that they receive in prison. Knowledgeable personnel should be become more involved with the selection of suitable candidates, as they will be able to give a rich description of the offender that is being assessed. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die Departement van Korrektiewe Dienste (DKD) se benadering tot korreksies is gebasseer op restorasie. Hierdie restorasie vind plaas tussen die oortreder en die slagoffer, die gemeenskap, sy/haar eie familie en ook binne die oortreder self. Volgens die DKD kan rehabilitasie van die oortreder nie plaasvind indien restorasie nie plaasgevind het nie (The White Paper on Corrections in South Africa, 2005). Vir hierdie rede het die DKD `n verbintenis gemaak om regstellende geregtigheid programme deel te maak van die oortreder se rehabilitasie. Die doel van die studie is om vas te stel wat jeug oortreders se persepsie van regstellende geregtigheid in tronke is. Die bevindings wat op hierdie manier verkry word kan gebruik word om `n bydrae te lewer tot verskeie aspekte van restellende geregtigheid in tronke. Die data wat verkry word sal aandui wat jeug oortreders beskou as gereedheid om deel te neem aan sulke programme en watter voorsorgmaatreëls in plek gestel kan word om die doelwitte van die program te bereik. Die bevindings kan ook as aanduiding gebruik word of daar `n behoefte aan onderrig aangaande regstellende geregtigheid bestaan. Die studie kan dus gebruik word om by te dra tot die aanbieding van restellende geregtigheid programme, sowel as die uitkomste van die programmme in tronke. Die 23 deelnemers wat geselekteer was, was tussen die ouderdom van 18 en 20. Hulle was almal gevonnisde oortreders wat vir meer as 2 jaar gevonnis was, wat ten minste 2/3 van hul vonnis voltooi het en/of wat binnekort vrygelaat sou word. Die deelnemers was gevonnis vir ekonomiese misdade, geweldsmisdade, seksuele oortredings en moord. Die DVD ’Burning Bridges’ was as navorsing stimulus gebruik en data is gegenereer deur middel van individuele onderhoude en fokus-groep besprekings. Die data het aangetoon dat oortreder opgevoed moet word in verband met die beginsels en die toepassings van regstellende geregtigheid programme. Die oortreder se vermoë om met die slagoffer en die gemeenskap te praat moet geassesseer word, sowel as sy/haar vermoë om die misdaad te herroep en daaroor te praat. Daar moet ook gekyk word na die oortreder se algemene gedrag in die tronk. Dit sluit in sy/haar bereidwilligheid om die geleenthede wat in die tronk aangebied word te gebruik. Personeel wat die nodige kennis en ervaring het moet meer betrokke raak in die seleksie van geskikde kandidate, aangesien hulle instaat sal wees om `n indiepte beskrywing te gee van die oortreder wat geassesseer word.

Occupational stress is considered to be a rising concern in many organisations in South Africa; it is, moreover, a pervasive problem in our communities in general. The consequences of high-stress environments are typically a, reduction in the quality and quantity of job performance, high levels of absenteeism, an increase in turnover, an increased number of grievances and increased frequency of accidents. Correctional Services has been reported to be the most challenging and frustrating component of the criminal justice system. Factors such as having a high level of responsibility, genuine threats to personal safety, rotating shifts, meager salaries and unpleasant surroundings, all add to the stress of Correctional Service Officials. The results of uncontrolled stress are costly to both the individual and the organisation. It is thus important for both the organisation and employees to learn or acquire ways of coping with stress. The empirical objective of this study was to investigate relationships between occupational stress and i l l health among employees of Correctional Services in the Vereeniging Management Area, in order to contribute towards an understanding of the interaction between these variables, and the implication thereof for the management of occupational stress and i l l health in the specific setting. A cross-sectional design was used to collect data and to attain the research objectives. The study population included the entire population consisting of (n= 197) employees of Correctional Services in the Vereeniging Management area. Management and production levels were fully represented. The Correctional Official Stress Inventory, General Health Questionnaire, Maslach Burnout Inventory and the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale were used as measuring instruments. The reliability and validity of all questionnaires were found to be acceptable. The findings revealed that increased levels of occupational stress lead to increased levels of exhaustion and this may in turn lead to increased experience of somatic symptoms, anxiety and insomnia, social dysfunction and severe depression. Higher levels of exhaustion and cynicism were associated with higher levels of somatic symptoms, anxiety and insomnia, social dysfunction, and severe depression. The findings again revealed that an increase in the frequency of stress might lead to an increase in the experience of exhaustion, somatic symptoms, anxiety and insomnia, social dysfunction and severe depression. It was also found that stress could have some predictive value with regard to burnout, work engagement and health. It is recommended that more awareness need to be created about the symptoms and effects of occupational stress and burnout on individuals as well as organisations. This study was conducted in a small correctional institution, as a result the study population was too small, which made it difficult to generalise beyond the study population. / Thesis (M.A. (Industrial Psychology))--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2006.

Thesis (M.A. (Industrial Psychology))--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2006.

Occupational stress is considered to be a rising concern in many organisations in South Africa; it is, moreover, a pervasive problem in our communities in general. The consequences of high-stress environments are typically a, reduction in the quality and quantity of job performance, high levels of absenteeism, an increase in turnover, an increased number of grievances and increased frequency of accidents. Correctional Services has been reported to be the most challenging and frustrating component of the criminal justice system. Factors such as having a high level of responsibility, genuine threats to personal safety, rotating shifts, meager salaries and unpleasant surroundings, all add to the stress of Correctional Service Officials. The results of uncontrolled stress are costly to both the individual and the organisation. It is thus important for both the organisation and employees to learn or acquire ways of coping with stress. The empirical objective of this study was to investigate relationships between occupational stress and i l l health among employees of Correctional Services in the Vereeniging Management Area, in order to contribute towards an understanding of the interaction between these variables, and the implication thereof for the management of occupational stress and i l l health in the specific setting. A cross-sectional design was used to collect data and to attain the research objectives. The study population included the entire population consisting of (n= 197) employees of Correctional Services in the Vereeniging Management area. Management and production levels were fully represented. The Correctional Official Stress Inventory, General Health Questionnaire, Maslach Burnout Inventory and the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale were used as measuring instruments. The reliability and validity of all questionnaires were found to be acceptable. The findings revealed that increased levels of occupational stress lead to increased levels of exhaustion and this may in turn lead to increased experience of somatic symptoms, anxiety and insomnia, social dysfunction and severe depression. Higher levels of exhaustion and cynicism were associated with higher levels of somatic symptoms, anxiety and insomnia, social dysfunction, and severe depression. The findings again revealed that an increase in the frequency of stress might lead to an increase in the experience of exhaustion, somatic symptoms, anxiety and insomnia, social dysfunction and severe depression. It was also found that stress could have some predictive value with regard to burnout, work engagement and health. It is recommended that more awareness need to be created about the symptoms and effects of occupational stress and burnout on individuals as well as organisations. This study was conducted in a small correctional institution, as a result the study population was too small, which made it difficult to generalise beyond the study population. / Thesis (M.A. (Industrial Psychology))--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2006.

A family violence prevention program for incarcerated male offenders was evaluated. One hundred and one (101) offenders incarcerated in minimum and medium security facilities participated in a high intensity family violence prevention program offered by Correctional Services of Canada. Thirteen psychological, attitudinal, and behavioural measures were administered to the offenders. The measures were administered either pre-treatment only, pre-and post-treatment, or post-treatment only. Five measures were self-report measures completed by offenders, and eight were administered and scored by qualified corrections personnel. The offenders showed a number of positive pre- to post-treatment changes. Following treatment, offenders reported that they were less likely to rationalize their abusive behaviour or believe that being a man grants one special privileges and entitlements over women. Offenders were less likely to support the use of power and control tactics over women or to endorse an assortment of myths that can foster inequality and abuse. Following treatment, offenders were judged to have shown an improvement in their willingness to sympathize with their partner as well as an improvement in their conflict-resolution skills. Offenders were also judged to show substantial pre- to post-treatment improvements in their compliance with, and response to, treatment, as well as demonstrating an improved ability to apply the knowledge and skills learned from treatment. The Statistical Information on Recidivism (SIR) Scale failed to demonstrate concurrent and predictive validity on a sub-sample of these domestic violent offenders.

A family violence prevention program for incarcerated male offenders was evaluated. One hundred and one (101) offenders incarcerated in minimum and medium security facilities participated in a high intensity family violence prevention program offered by Correctional Services of Canada. Thirteen psychological, attitudinal, and behavioural measures were administered to the offenders. The measures were administered either pre-treatment only, pre-and post-treatment, or post-treatment only. Five measures were self-report measures completed by offenders, and eight were administered and scored by qualified corrections personnel. The offenders showed a number of positive pre- to post-treatment changes. Following treatment, offenders reported that they were less likely to rationalize their abusive behaviour or believe that being a man grants one special privileges and entitlements over women. Offenders were less likely to support the use of power and control tactics over women or to endorse an assortment of myths that can foster inequality and abuse. Following treatment, offenders were judged to have shown an improvement in their willingness to sympathize with their partner as well as an improvement in their conflict-resolution skills. Offenders were also judged to show substantial pre- to post-treatment improvements in their compliance with, and response to, treatment, as well as demonstrating an improved ability to apply the knowledge and skills learned from treatment. The Statistical Information on Recidivism (SIR) Scale failed to demonstrate concurrent and predictive validity on a sub-sample of these domestic violent offenders.

The aim of this study is to explore the effects of probation officers and their work. The following questions have been asked to come to a conclusion: How do probation officers view their work and the purpose of it? What are the effects of probation officers work? The approach of the study is of a qualitative nature and has been conducted by interviewing three officers of the correctional service system, three probation officers and two ex-criminals that have been on probation. The selection is based on a snowball type selection. To analyse the results of the study we have applied previous research and phenomenological theory to examine the experience of correctional service officers, probation officers and ex criminals. The results of our empirical study show that motivation is a key factor for successful results of probation officers work. The effects probation officers and their work have on preventing crime are uncertain, but the study shows that the experiences of the work of probation officers are positive and that the work is meaningful to the clients. The supportive and prosocial aspects of probation officers work has been identified as a priority. Our study also shows that the work of probation officers has to change in order to successfully prevent crime and a number of improvements are suggested, such as giving the probation officers specific assignments and giving the probation officers a better education before they are given assignment.

The universally controversial issue of deaths in custody is especially pertinent to South Africa. This study was prompted due to the increasingly diminishing ability for a concerted effort at tackling this issue by all parties involved. The 5 year retrospective, descriptive case audit performed at the Pretoria Medico-Legal Laboratory aimed to evaluate the current medico-legal investigation of deaths in custody in Pretoria, South Africa. Over half of the deaths (52%) occurred as a result of police action, 30% in police custody and 18% in correctional services custody. Gunshot wounds and hangings were the number 1 and 2 most common causes of death, respectively, with homicide and suicide being the 2 most common manners of death, respectively. The principal conclusion from the results is the presence of a flawed and malfunctioning medico-legal investigation system. The introduction of a formal protocol is urgently required to provide a framework for these investigations. / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2013. / Forensic Medicine / MSc / Unrestricted

MA (Psychology) / Department of Psychology / Correctional Service inmate rehabilitation and rising issues of recidivism have been of interest within the Justice System with the mind to improve and ensure not only functionality but the effectiveness of every effort put toward rehabilitating inmates. Individuals are not convicted with the intention of closing them off from society completely, but to have their abnormal behavior corrected (this speaks to effective rehabilitation programmes and successful re-entry). Inevitably, this makes the parole period pivotal for assessing these programmes and why rehabilitation is not directly resulting in successful re-entry since parolees are more at risk to reoffend, making up the rising margin of recidivism of over 70% in South Africa. It then becomes significant to look into whether rehabilitative programmes are effective according to individuals who have practically been on the receiving end. This study investigated the lived experiences that recidivist parolees had of rehabilitation by taking a closer look at their lived experiences. This was qualitatively realized by employing to the study: interpretive phenomenological design. From a population of recidivist parolees residing in Vhembe District, after agreeing to participate in the study, a sample of 10 participants was interviewed (in accordance to data saturation) which were attained through the snowball sampling technique. From this sample, data was collected through the use of semi-structured open-ended interviews and analyzed through interpretive phenomenological analysis. This process yielded the following results. Generally, participants felt that rehabilitation programmes are not effective and play a very small role in influencing change. This is a similar case with re-entry into society. In light of this, participants reported that they have difficulty fitting into society as normal members because of social stigma, chronic trauma, not getting enough support after release and not being eligible for employment. Participants also reported irregular administration and accessibility of the programmes for all inmates. In light of these results, rehabilitation should be compulsory for all inmates and should also include post arrest programmes. / NRF

I och med covid-19-pandemin som startade 2020 har fler kontakter mellan människor flyttats online för att minska smittspridningen, så även det sociala arbetet. Syftet med denna studie var att ta reda på hur personal som arbetar med behandlingsprogram inom Frivården har upplevt att det har varit att genomföra behandlingsprogram via videosamtal. Frivården började med detta arbetssätt i samband med covid-19-restriktionerna 2020 och då fenomenet är nytt i Sverige finns inte mycket tidigare nationell forskning kring detta. Studien bygger på kvalitativa intervjuer med behandlingspersonal på fyra frivårdskontor i Sverige och vill skapa en bild av deras upplevelse. Av intervjuerna framgick att personalen upplever problem med det tekniska genomförandet och i samarbetet med klienterna. Man anser dock att det fungerat bättre än förväntat. Problemen kring genomförandet förklarats i detta examensarbete med hjälp av mottaglighetsprincipen och tankar kring kollaborativ empirism. Det har framgått att genomförandet till stor del påverkas av klienternas mottaglighet och att denna i sin tur påverkar möjligheten till kollaborativ empirism i arbetet med behandling. / With the start of the covid-19 pandemic 2020, more contacts between people have been moved online to reduce the spread of infection, as has social work. The purpose of this study was to find out how staff who work with treatment programs within the Swedish probation service have experienced that it has been to implement treatment programs via video calls. The probation service began with this approach in connection with the covid-19 restrictions in 2020 and since the phenomenon is new in Sweden, there is not much previous national research on this. The study is based on qualitative interviews with treatment staff at four probation offices in Sweden and wants to create a picture of their experience. The interviews showed that the staff experience problems with the technical implementation and in the collaboration with the clients. However, it is believed that it worked better than expected. The problems with implementation have been explained in this thesis with the help of the principle of responsivity and thoughts about collaborative empiricism. It has been shown that the implementation is largely affected by the clients' responsivity and that this in turn affects the possibility of collaborative empiricism in the work with treatment.