A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Arts in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of DOCTOR PHILOSOPHIAE (D.PHIL) in the Department of Criminal Justice at the University of Zululand, 2010. / This study is intended to assess correctional supervision in the KwaZulu- Natal province, since the inception of correctional supervision in the early 1990s and also to investigate the political, economic and societal changes that resulted in the development of diverse perceptions (opinions). Relevant Acts (or legislation) and reports of government appointed commissions in the field of corrections were also examined for evidence of the prevailing trends. This study is therefore intended to serve two distinct purposes. Firstly, the study assist the community–based offenders to come to a better understanding of themselves as well as the societal norms and values which might improve such offenders’ attitudes and perceptions – provided these are utilised to their full potential. On the other hand, this study assists members of the society to fully understand and interpret the role that they are expected to play in the offender’s rehabilitation process – if rehabilitation of community–based offenders is to be realised successfully. For purposes of clarity, the statement of the problem and accompanying empirical research issues are clearly set out and discussed. The most important concepts and terms relating to correctional supervision as a social phenomenon were also highlighted and/or defined. (vii) Additionally, the present study also investigated various aspects pertaining to theoretical explanations underlying the concept of correctional supervision, the historical background and development of the idea of correctional supervision as a sentencing option, followed by a comparative view of probation and parole in South Africa and around the globe. Methodologically, specific aims (objectives) of the study were stated and hypotheses formulated in search of valid and reliable data. Correctional supervision was also compared with incarceration with a view to show the similarities and dissimilarities, advantages and disadvantages, of these orientations and, most importantly, the potential of correctional supervision to rehabilitate and reintegrate community-based offenders in a safe, secure and humane environment. In undertaking this study, appropriate research methods and techniques were selected and implemented for data analyses purposes. Two different questionnaires namely, for the correctional officers (Annexure A) and for public respondents (Annexure B), were designed and implemented as data capturing instruments. Analyses of perceptions pertaining to correctional supervision as a dependent variable were cross-correlated in respect of two independent (viii) samples: (a) correctional officers and (b) public respondents in two different regions of KwaZulu-Natal. Apart from gender, other independent variables like higher and lower management levels, representing a merger of the rank system of correctional officers, and two artificially created southern and northern regions, were also implemented in subsequent frequency distributions to portray respondents’ evaluations - either positive or negative opinions, towards various facets of correctional supervision. With minor exceptions, the findings of the study overwhelmingly emphasise favourable perceptions towards the present policies in regard to correctional supervision adopted by the Department of Correctional Services in the 2005-White Paper. The conclusions and recommendations are based on data contained in various statistical tables, either included in the text or attached as annexure at the end of this manuscript. / The Research Committee of the University of Zululand.

Thesis (M.A. (MW))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2005.

Research has indicated that there is a worldwide increase in the numbers of sexual offenders brought before court in the last two decades as well as an increase in recidivism after imprisonment of sexual offenders. It was found that imprisonment is not the only effective sentence option for sexual offenders and that there are certain categories of sexual offenders that can be rehabilitated more effectively within the community while serving a community-based sentence like correctional supervision. Research has also shown that the risk of re-offending can be decreased by such a sentence. In order for courts to consider correctional supervision as sentence for certain sexual offenders they request pre-sentence assessment reports from social workers to assist them to determine the suitable offenders for this sentence option. The court has certain expectations from social workers in terms of these pre-sentence assessments that are not always met. Amongst other factors, this is caused by the difference in approach between social workers and judicial officials as well as the different goals each profession has in terms of sexual offenders. The problems and needs of social workers with the pre-sentence assessment of sexual offenders were explored in this study as well as the expectations and problems of judicial officials in this regard. Social workers indicated that they lack certain skills, knowledge and confidence as well as professional support and resources to compile effective pre-sentence reports. Judicial officials expect more intensive and comprehensive assessments that focus on the determination of risk of re-offending and the risk to the community. In order to address the problems and needs of both the social workers and judicial officials, suggestions for the improvement of co-operation and understanding of the two different approaches were made as well as guidelines for social workers, trainers and supervisors to enable social workers to present more effective pre-sentence assessments to courts. / Thesis (M.A. (MW))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2005.

Research has indicated that there is a worldwide increase in the numbers of sexual offenders brought before court in the last two decades as well as an increase in recidivism after imprisonment of sexual offenders. It was found that imprisonment is not the only effective sentence option for sexual offenders and that there are certain categories of sexual offenders that can be rehabilitated more effectively within the community while serving a community-based sentence like correctional supervision. Research has also shown that the risk of re-offending can be decreased by such a sentence. In order for courts to consider correctional supervision as sentence for certain sexual offenders they request pre-sentence assessment reports from social workers to assist them to determine the suitable offenders for this sentence option. The court has certain expectations from social workers in terms of these pre-sentence assessments that are not always met. Amongst other factors, this is caused by the difference in approach between social workers and judicial officials as well as the different goals each profession has in terms of sexual offenders. The problems and needs of social workers with the pre-sentence assessment of sexual offenders were explored in this study as well as the expectations and problems of judicial officials in this regard. Social workers indicated that they lack certain skills, knowledge and confidence as well as professional support and resources to compile effective pre-sentence reports. Judicial officials expect more intensive and comprehensive assessments that focus on the determination of risk of re-offending and the risk to the community. In order to address the problems and needs of both the social workers and judicial officials, suggestions for the improvement of co-operation and understanding of the two different approaches were made as well as guidelines for social workers, trainers and supervisors to enable social workers to present more effective pre-sentence assessments to courts. / Thesis (M.A. (MW))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2005.

Parenthood is a role that shapes the lives of parents and children. According to the sociology of families and marriages, criminology, and the sociology of punishment, the most alienated individuals in unequal America practice parenthood in fragile families struggling with poverty, the code of the street, and under correctional supervision. In attempts to connect and contribute to these literatures, this research project examines how individuals' delinquent/criminal role performance on the street stage and client/inmate role performance on the correctional stage influence their parent role performance on the home stage. To do so, this qualitative study collected 57 semi-structured interviews (12 mothers and 45 fathers) and analyzes participants' parent role, delinquent/criminal role, and client/inmate role. The findings suggest that a cross-generational role conflict shapes participants' parent role performance throughout their life course. Although conflicting roles (roles with conflicting expectations) can coexist in the self, limited resources (time, energy, and money) and problematic boundaries (weak or impenetrable) between social situations bring role conflict to the center of role performance. In this case, the role conflict between participants' ideal parent role on the home stage, delinquent/criminal role on the street stage, and client/inmate role on the correctional stage shapes participants' parent role performance throughout their life course.

No description available.

Text in Afrikaans / In hierdie verhandeling onderneem die navorser 'n teoretiese en filosofiese studie, binne 'n penologiese perspektief, ten einde 'n ondersoek na korrektiewe toesig as 'n alternatiewe strafvorm te bepaa] • Kennis en insig wat sodoende ingesame] is, kan aangewend word om die stelsel in Suid-Afrika te hevorder. Hierdie verhandeling word verdeel in 'n inleiding oor die metodologie en akademjese verantwoording van die studiegebied van penologie, die rasionaal v1r die soeke na alternatiewe vir korttermyngevangenisstraf; die historiese aanloop vir die vestiging van korrektiewe toesig in Suid-Afrika, die funksionering van die korrektiewe toesigstelsel van Suid-Af rika, die funksionering van beide die basiese en intensiewe toesigstelsel (IPS) van die Staat. Georgia <VSA). Die verhandeling word afgesluit met 'n aantal aanbevelings ten opsigte van die toepassing van korrektiewe toesig. / In this dis se rL:i ti on the rPsea t·che r n nde rt.a kes a t heo ret ica l and philosophical study within a penological perspective in order to investigate correctional supPrvision as an alternative form of punishment. Knowledge and insight obtained in this way can be applied to promote this system in Sout_h Africa. The thesis is divided into an introduction relating to the methodology and the academic responsibility of the study area of penology, the rasionale for an alternative form of short term imprisonment, the historical backgro11n<l to the establishment of correctional supervision in South Africa, the functioning of correctional supervision in South Africa, the functioning of both the basic probation system and the intensive probation system in Georgia (USA). This thesis is concluded with a number of recommendations with regard to the implementation of correctional supervision. / Sociology / M.A. (Penology)

Text in Afrikaans / In hierdie verhandeling onderneem die navorser 'n teoretiese en filosofiese studie, binne 'n penologiese perspektief, ten einde 'n ondersoek na korrektiewe toesig as 'n alternatiewe strafvorm te bepaa] • Kennis en insig wat sodoende ingesame] is, kan aangewend word om die stelsel in Suid-Afrika te hevorder. Hierdie verhandeling word verdeel in 'n inleiding oor die metodologie en akademjese verantwoording van die studiegebied van penologie, die rasionaal v1r die soeke na alternatiewe vir korttermyngevangenisstraf; die historiese aanloop vir die vestiging van korrektiewe toesig in Suid-Afrika, die funksionering van die korrektiewe toesigstelsel van Suid-Af rika, die funksionering van beide die basiese en intensiewe toesigstelsel (IPS) van die Staat. Georgia <VSA). Die verhandeling word afgesluit met 'n aantal aanbevelings ten opsigte van die toepassing van korrektiewe toesig. / In this dis se rL:i ti on the rPsea t·che r n nde rt.a kes a t heo ret ica l and philosophical study within a penological perspective in order to investigate correctional supPrvision as an alternative form of punishment. Knowledge and insight obtained in this way can be applied to promote this system in Sout_h Africa. The thesis is divided into an introduction relating to the methodology and the academic responsibility of the study area of penology, the rasionale for an alternative form of short term imprisonment, the historical backgro11n<l to the establishment of correctional supervision in South Africa, the functioning of correctional supervision in South Africa, the functioning of both the basic probation system and the intensive probation system in Georgia (USA). This thesis is concluded with a number of recommendations with regard to the implementation of correctional supervision. / Sociology / M.A. (Penology)

The transformation of the Department of Correctional Services into an institution of rehabilitation and the promotion of corrections as a societal responsibility brought a new dimension to the release policy of South Africa. A new Correctional Services Act 111 of 1998 came into effect and the Department of Correctional Services published a White Paper on Corrections during 2005. The idealistic correctional goal of protecting the community while rehabilitating the offender has served as a reason for conducting research into the parole process from a South African perspective. The qualitative aim of the study is to explore parole as a phenomenon and to describe the process involved in successfully reintegrating an offender into the community. The significant role that Correctional Supervision and Parole Boards play in the parole process and the emphasis they place on community safety, the interest of the victim and the rehabilitation and control of offenders as part of their mission statement are highlighted in the study. / Penology / M.A. (Penology)

The transformation of the Department of Correctional Services into an institution of rehabilitation and the promotion of corrections as a societal responsibility brought a new dimension to the release policy of South Africa. A new Correctional Services Act 111 of 1998 came into effect and the Department of Correctional Services published a White Paper on Corrections during 2005. The idealistic correctional goal of protecting the community while rehabilitating the offender has served as a reason for conducting research into the parole process from a South African perspective. The qualitative aim of the study is to explore parole as a phenomenon and to describe the process involved in successfully reintegrating an offender into the community. The significant role that Correctional Supervision and Parole Boards play in the parole process and the emphasis they place on community safety, the interest of the victim and the rehabilitation and control of offenders as part of their mission statement are highlighted in the study. / Penology / M.A. (Penology)