This diploma thesis deals with a topic of pastoral street work as a new form of crime prevention and opens up the theme of this new approach inspired by the international Christian movement Street Pastors. The goal of this diploma thesis is to describe the possibilities how to implement pastoral street work idea in environment of the Prague I Municipality District. As being traditional centre of culture, science, business, public services and tourism, Prague faces today to many associating problems resulting from increase in number of tourists. First, the author describes these problems such as increasing noise, higher criminality, noise disturbance or alcohol consumption in the night streets. Further, the author defines the basic concepts of social work, and describes briefly the history of Christian mutual help in terrain. Then she focuses on the movement Street Pastors that could be an alternative solution to these problems and describes on it's mission, vision, values and principles. Street Pastors is an international network of Christian volunteers, that focuses on similar problems in many cities worldwide. Finaly, the author proposes how ideas of Street Pastors could be applied in Prague.

The aim of this study is to examine which risk factors the Swedish governmental organization, Socialstyrelsen, can identify among children and youths that could lead to later deviant or criminal behaviour. The study is based on two written reports made on behalf of Socialstyrelsen. We chose to base our study on these reports since they produce important knowledge to social workers whose work is to identify risk factors and prevent deviant or criminal behaviour among children and youths, which is in line with this study's purpose. Together with previous scientific studies, this study presents seven themes in which risk factors can be found. These themes represent risk factors among and within the individual, friends, family, school and neighborhoods, risk factors related to gender and cumulative risk factors. The results of this study show that risk factors within these different themes are related to each other and that the presence of one risk factor increases the risk of others. Furthermore, the results emphasize that a risk factor for one person does not have to be a risk factor for another person and therefore could be understood as broadly individual. Because of this, it is extremely important that social workers who work with children and youths are aware of this, so that each child’s and youth’s unique situation will be considered regarding risk factors for deviant or criminal behaviour.

no / This research report was commissioned to assess and evaluate the criminal justice and business case for the Officer Next Door (OND) program. Since its establishment in 1998, the OND program has sought to provide Housing Tasmania residents with a reassurance policing approach based on early intervention in criminal and anti-social behaviour on Housing Tasmania broadacre estates.

The correctional experience of adult offenders has largely been ignored in comparison to youth and adolescent offenders in the correctional literature and even more so in terms of repeated offending behaviour. The perspective that self-esteem is also considered an important behavioural motivator and outcome of life experiences is reflected in the high amount of inclusion it enjoys as a treatment outcome in numerous correctional rehabilitation programmes. However, the dearth of research on the level of self-esteem of repeat offenders internationally and in the South African context does not reflect the importance of this relationship and with a 95% recidivism rate in South African prisons one can understand the need for investigation into this phenomenon. Descriptive, comparative and explanatory analyses were conducted using the self-concept theory of Carl Rogers to guide the research. A purposive sample of 73 male repeat offenders from correctional centres in the Zululand area of the KwaZulu-Natal province were included in the study. Self-esteem was assessed through the use of the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory (Adult Form) and relative theoretical and empirical perspectives were utilised in the development of a questionnaire used to quantitatively assess multiple variables related to self-esteem and repeat offending behaviour. The level of self-esteem was therefore assessed in terms of the type of offence/s committed by the participants and in relation to a number of demographic (age, education, marital status, number of children and childhood socioeconomic status), psychosocial (parental closeness, parental availability, need for acceptance, familial abuse and treatment by community upon release) and correctional (exposure to correctional environment, experience of victimisation inside the correctional facility, visitations, conditions of the correctional centres and programme participation) variables. Inferential (t-tests, ANOVA and correlations) and descriptive (means, standard deviations and frequency distributions) statistical analyses were utilised to compare the self-esteem scores of the participants and provide a general description of the characteristics of the sample respectively. The reliability of the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory (Adult Form) was also assessed producing a Cronbach alpha of .69 indicating that it was a reliable measure of self-esteem in the South African correctional context. The results indicated that the self-esteem scores of South African repeat offenders varied significantly in terms of offence type with aggressive offenders showing significantly higher levels of self-esteem than sexual, economic, narcotic and “other” offenders. Participants from the remaining offending categories did not show significant differences in self-esteem between one another. Demographic variables (age, education, marital status, number of children and childhood socioeconomic status) were not found to have a significant effect on self-esteem scores. Psychosocial variables related to familial relations (parental closeness and parental availability) were not found to be significantly different despite clear patterns emerging indicating an increase in self-esteem when parental bonds were strong and parents were perceived as available during childhood. The analysis of data related to the need for acceptance by friends and family members indicated that despite the repeated offending nature of the sample that there was still a degree of acceptance with conventional norms and values. Self-esteem was also seen to improve with perceptions of community support and fairness of treatment by community upon release. Experiences of abuse prior to incarceration and victimisation within the correctional facility were seen to negatively affect self-esteem however time and context related variables were determined to play a mediating role due to the increased effect witnessed for experiences that were more recent. Further correctional variables analysed showed increases in self-esteem in terms of prolonged exposure to the correctional environment, and increase in the frequency of visitations and positive perceptions of satisfaction with the conditions in the correctional centres. Programme participation was was however found to have no significant effect on self-esteem. Recommendations formulated for future research included the need for a longitudinal research design and the incorporation of contextual data in the form of non-offending control groups for the establishment of cultural norms and values through the use of qualitative interviews. The generally negative life experiences of repeat offenders were concluded to increase the need for the use of psychological defences and the creation of an increasingly false reality in an attempt to maintain some form of psychological consistency. / Thesis (M.Soc.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2012.

Thesis (M.A. (Social Work)) -- University of Limpopo, 2019 / Young offenders’ criminal behaviour is a global problem that affects the society. In addressing this problem, parents are expected to provide effective parental role in order to minimise the problematic behaviour of their children. The overall aim of the study was to explore perceptions of young offenders regarding parental influence on their criminal behaviour. The objectives of the study were to determine the perceived impact of parental practice on young offenders’ criminal behaviour; to assess how parental care influences the positive behaviour of young offenders; to appraise how coercive child-rearing influences young offenders to be involved in criminal activities; and to establish gaps between parents and young offenders in terms of parental practice. The researcher used explorative research designs. The data was collected through semi-structured face-to-face interviews from sixteen (16) young offenders who were detained at Mavambe Child and Youth Care Centre situated in Malamulele, Limpopo province, South Africa. The sample consisted of young offenders who were available and ready to participate in the study, and sixteen young offenders who were staying with their parents. The researcher used thematic data analysis and followed its steps. Ethical considerations were considered. Based on the findings, parenting has a direct influence on young people’s behaviour. However, it was also discovered that there are other internal and external contributory factors which make this problem complex and interrelated. Some of these factors are environmental or community and economic related problems. The researcher recommend that the Department of Social Development should render positive parenting skills programmes. These programmes should consider issues related to the parent-child relationship, disciplinary strategies, supervision and monitoring. Key words: perceptions, young offenders, parent, parental influence and criminal behaviour

Evaluace výsledků léčby v terapeutické komunitě pro drogově závislé Martin Šefránek Abstrakt: Východiska: Výzkumem podložené závěry prokazující efektivitu léčby v terapeutických komunitách pro léčbu závislostí a umožňující mezinárodní srovnání jsou v ČR ojedinělé. "Evaluace výsledků léčby v terapeutické komunitě pro drogově závislé" je v ČR první prospektivní výzkumná studie hodnoticí efektivitu léčby uživatelů drog v terapeutických komunitách. Cil: Cílem studie je vyhodnotit, jak se změnilo užívání drog, kriminalita, osobní a sociální fungování a kvalita života uživatelů drog 1 rok po ukončení léčby. Metody: Data byly sbírány prostřednictvím strukturovaných interview s klienty terapeutických komunit. Studie porovnává změny v problémovém chování klientů ve 30 dnech před začátkem léčby a ve 30 dnech po 1 roce od jejího ukončení. Základním výzkumným nástrojem je the Maudsley Addiction Profile, který jsme doplnili o další měření. Soubor: Výzkumný soubor tvoří 176 uživatelů drog, kteří v letech 2007 a 2008 zahájili léčbu v rezidenční terapeutické komunitě. 1 rok po ukončení léčby byly data získány od 77.8% (N=137) klientů. Na studii participovaly 4 terapeutické komunity. Výsledky: Po 1 roce od ukončení léčby došlo k signifikantnímu nárůstu abstinence od metamfetaminu, opiátových drog a benzodiazepinů. Před...

This thesis discusses the risk of occurrence of the criminal behaviour among people working in the field of helping professions. It also mentions specific criminal offences that could be committed due to the nature of helping professions. The thesis describes moral attributes of helping workers which could prevent criminal acts. It also suggests some ways of client protection against the abuse of power of helping profession workers

The study emanates from the need to explore and gain insight into the factors that led to the criminal behaviour of persons with mental disorders who are admitted to Lobatse Mental Hospital following a criminal offence. Objectives of the study were to provide a broad theoretical background on criminality amongst persons with mental disorders; to explore factors that contribute to the criminal behaviour of persons with mental disorders; and lastly, to draw conclusions and recommendations regarding reduction of criminal behaviour amongst persons with mental disorders. The study utilised and answered a research question that read as follows: What are the contributing factors to the criminal behaviour of persons with mental disorders? The study was therefore centred on this question as it was undertaken to find answers to the research question. The study used qualitative research approach because the researcher heavily relied on subjective data provided by the small sample, which in turn has been used to generate some understanding of the factors contributing to the criminal behaviour of persons with mental disorders. Applied research was used because it addresses the problem of criminal behaviour of persons with mental disorders and draws conclusions and recommendations to the reduction of the criminal behaviour amongst persons with mental disorders. The study also followed a qualitative research approach, in particular a collective case study strategy. The population for this study comprised of all offenders with mental disorders at Lobatse Mental Hospital. The researcher relied on purposive sampling technique to select the participants. Twelve patients with a mental disorder admitted at Lobatse Mental Hospital were interviewed face-to-face by the researcher and a tape recorder was used to capture the data. In analyzing the data themes that were categorised in line with emerging patterns, particularly with reference to the research question, were identified. The conclusion from the literature review revealed that there is a causal relationship between mental disorders and criminal behaviour. It however revealed that persons with mental disorders with psychotic symptoms are at increased risk of criminal behaviour. Literature also showed that persons with mental disorders can commit crimes not necessarily due to their mental disorder but to other factors such as greed, lack of conscience and revenge. The factors contributing to the criminal behaviour of persons with mental disorders as revealed by the participants are as follows: mental disorder accompanied by psychotic symptoms; alcohol and substance abuse; male; single; lower educational achievement; unemployed; self defence; mixing traditional and modern medicine; treatment non-adherence; poor interpersonal relationships with significant others; delay in seeking appropriate treatment; lack of education on one mental condition; living alone without anyone to monitor the signs and symptoms of the mental condition; poor conflict resolution skills. Copyright / Dissertation (MSW)--University of Pretoria, 2009. / Social Work and Criminology / unrestricted

In this work author is analysing problematics of determination of legal consciousness as a category of criminology. This objective is being achieved through examination of the characteristics of legal consciousness, the impact of sociostructure of legal consciousness on legal reality and its functional features through interaction with legal reality; causality of social origin of legal consciousness and problematics of the complex of factors causing criminality; importance of legal consciousness in the process of socialization of an individual and in the mechanism of criminal behaviour; the place of which legal consciousness is undertaking in the system of features of criminogenical personality. Seeking to prove that the legal consciousness of a criminogenical personality is deformed, an empirical research in the form of a questionnaire „Female criminal behaviour and their legal consciousness“ was undertaken in the Panevėžys Penitentiary. By generalizing the results of the research made, author has established that the legal consciousness of majority of women, behaving in a criminal way, were inclined in legal nihilism - they were neglecting social and personal value of law and seeing it as a poor regulator of social relations.

Criminal behaviour among youths is spread so widely, that almost every youth has committed one criminal aktivity at least. The top of the criminal activities of youth committers came in the half nineties. Since that time, there have been noticed new trends in youth{\crq}s criminality development. The average age of committers decreases, the brutality of crime increases and there came out new kinds of crime (children prostitution, drug criminality). In the last time it is more often discussed lowering the age limit of penal responsibility. It would be since 14 years. A new penal legislative could be authorized at the break of this and next year. This diploma work aims to chart the society{\crq}s attitude towards criminal activity of youths in chosen areas of south bohemian region. Individual points of this work are orientated towards the attitudes to the age limit of penal responsibility, to the current legislative reform in punishable activities of youths; to risky factors which cause arise of criminal behaviour. The first hypothesis was set up on the thought, that the risky factor which has an effect on arising the criminal behaviour of youths is preferred by the public in consistence in parents bringing up to school setting. Hypothesis I. was confirmed. Hypothesis one claimed that the laic public is not partisan of setting op cameras at schools. This hypothesis was disapproved. Hypothesis II. assumed that positive laic public{\crq}s attitude are for lowering the age limit of penal responsibility. This hypothesis was confirmed. Before the research, there had come out a hypothesis III. which assumes professionals positive attitude towards lowering the age limit of penal responsibility. There was pursued a research with some professionals work in a field of penal affairs of youths. There was made a half standardized interview. In the second part was done a quatitative research. That research was realized on the selective set which had 210 respondents. Some inhabitants of České Budějovice and Český Krumlov regions took part in this research. The main implement used in this research was a semantic diferencial. This diploma work should help to spread awareness and knowledge of the crime problematic of youths. Next usage could be used by professionals who are interestend in attitudes towards this problematic.