Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements of the Degree Master of Social Work in the Faculty of Arts in the Department of Social Work at the University Of Zululand, South Africa, 2012. / The introduction of diversion programmes in South Africa to assist with the tension of a strenuous criminal justice system has assisted beneficiaries of the programme in finding rehabilitation. Although the beliefs of communities and individuals differ as to the intent of the programme, while, others still feel the need for retribution. The impact of diversion programmes thus, cannot be ignored as only 25 per cent of youth having completed the programme will re-offend. There are currently no systems in place in South Africa that could assist in the identification of repeated offenders (needing to be formally classified as recidivists). The degree of repetition in delivering services to the same individuals can, therefore, not be established, thus, leaving a gap in the effectiveness of crime prevention and management strategies. The aim of this study was to establish the impact (effectiveness) of diversion programmes on behaviour modification to divertees, with the purpose of formulating the perceptions of juvenile youth (young offenders) about diversion programmes. The literature explored by the researcher reflects the creation of the Child Justice Court and its mandate, arguments arising from the creation and implementation of juvenile rehabilitation, the purposes of the implementation of diversion, behaviour modification of young offenders in the diversion programme, changes attributing to offender rehabilitation, support for juvenile rehabilitation and recidivism as a hindrance to behaviour change. The findings of the study revealed that from the youth who were referred for diversion, at the end of the programme they had been instilled some aspect of change in their live, attitudes and behaviour. The programme has made them active members in decision-taking roles in their lives and no longer relinquish such powers to their peers, leaving them vulnerable to peer pressure, therefore, making the cycle of offending never ending.

Background: Due to the increase of crime in South Africa and the overcrowding of correctional facilities, there has been increasing pressure on courts to find and implement alternatives to imprisonment. In this regard, the so-called "desirability of prosecution" reports and diversion for youths is in general use throughout the country. A new trend is, however, an increase in requests of "desirability of prosecution" reports for adults by some courts, while others are still unaware of their potential use and its accompanying diversion for adults. This state of affairs has caused some uncertainty amongst probation officers regarding what precisely is expected of this type of investigations and the reports that must be presented to the courts. Objective: The primary aim of the study was to determine the nature and required content of the so-called "desirability of prosecution" report for adults. Method: The empirical research focused on magistrates' and control prosecutors' expectations regarding the particular type of report. It utilised a combination of quantitative and qualitative research methods and involved three magistrates and seven control prosecutors from three different towns in three different provinces in central South Africa. Results: From the questionnaires and interviews it, first of all, became clear that not all the respondents were aware of the fact that the so-called "desirability of prosecution" reports and accompanying diversion can also be used for adults. It, secondly, showed that the vast majority of respondents viewed it as a mechanism that showed great promise and that it has already been utilised with some success by some courts. The study also produced a variety of guideline for the compilation of such reports. / Thesis (M.A. (MW))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007.

Background: Due to the increase of crime in South Africa and the overcrowding of correctional facilities, there has been increasing pressure on courts to find and implement alternatives to imprisonment. In this regard, the so-called "desirability of prosecution" reports and diversion for youths is in general use throughout the country. A new trend is, however, an increase in requests of "desirability of prosecution" reports for adults by some courts, while others are still unaware of their potential use and its accompanying diversion for adults. This state of affairs has caused some uncertainty amongst probation officers regarding what precisely is expected of this type of investigations and the reports that must be presented to the courts. Objective: The primary aim of the study was to determine the nature and required content of the so-called "desirability of prosecution" report for adults. Method: The empirical research focused on magistrates' and control prosecutors' expectations regarding the particular type of report. It utilised a combination of quantitative and qualitative research methods and involved three magistrates and seven control prosecutors from three different towns in three different provinces in central South Africa. Results: From the questionnaires and interviews it, first of all, became clear that not all the respondents were aware of the fact that the so-called "desirability of prosecution" reports and accompanying diversion can also be used for adults. It, secondly, showed that the vast majority of respondents viewed it as a mechanism that showed great promise and that it has already been utilised with some success by some courts. The study also produced a variety of guideline for the compilation of such reports. / Thesis (M.A. (MW))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007.

Dealing with young offenders remains a universal problem around the world and South Africa is no exception. It would appear that certain factors in the community, the family and the school system may contribute to juvenile delinquency. Diversion programmes are utilized as an alternative to avoid juveniles accused of petty offences from being imprisoned. The researcher conducted this study after observing that many young people still end up in conflict with the law despite the completion of these programmes. Due to the latter, questions regarding the effectiveness of diversion programmes developed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the diversion programme offered by Bokamoso Life Centre. The researcher conducted a qualitative study through which the goal of this study was achieved. Further research in this field is recommended because of the fact that this study was limited to a specific geographical area. / Dissertation (MSD (Play Therapy))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Social Work and Criminology / unrestricted

MA (Youth Development) / Institute of Gender and Youth Studies / See the attached abstract below

The aim of this exploratory study was to investigate the Western Cape Province's non-governmental child diversion programme compliance with the Minimum Programme Outcomes Standards developed by the Department of Social Development for programme accreditation. The Minimum Standards focus on optimal diversion outcomes for children in conflict with the law and were designed to ensure good diversion practice. The juvenile justice system has determined child diversion as a rehabilitative and cost-effective alternative justice option, positively contributing towards the curbing of re-offending among child offenders. The research process was guided by a mixed method approach and utilised a structured questionnaire as well as comments and information stated by the respondents during the interview process. The questionnaire was applied to a representative sample of non-governmental diversion programme facilitators of the various diversion programme types to determine the level of programme compliance and to evaluate the implications that the results might hold for programme participants, service providers, as well as for the accreditation process. The results of the study revealed a high level of Minimum Programme Outcomes Standards compliance, with an average of 83%. These results indicate that, in general, the programmes provided by non-governmental diversion service providers are complying with the Minimum Standards and are thereby ensuring good diversion practice. This should positively influence their eligibility for programme accreditation by the Department of Social Development. At the same time. the results of the study have pointed towards other challenges. which were evaluated and discussed. / Criminology / Criminology and Security Science / M.A. (Criminology)

The aim of this exploratory study was to investigate the Western Cape Province's non-governmental child diversion programme compliance with the Minimum Programme Outcomes Standards developed by the Department of Social Development for programme accreditation. The Minimum Standards focus on optimal diversion outcomes for children in conflict with the law and were designed to ensure good diversion practice. The juvenile justice system has determined child diversion as a rehabilitative and cost-effective alternative justice option, positively contributing towards the curbing of re-offending among child offenders. The research process was guided by a mixed method approach and utilised a structured questionnaire as well as comments and information stated by the respondents during the interview process. The questionnaire was applied to a representative sample of non-governmental diversion programme facilitators of the various diversion programme types to determine the level of programme compliance and to evaluate the implications that the results might hold for programme participants, service providers, as well as for the accreditation process. The results of the study revealed a high level of Minimum Programme Outcomes Standards compliance, with an average of 83%. These results indicate that, in general, the programmes provided by non-governmental diversion service providers are complying with the Minimum Standards and are thereby ensuring good diversion practice. This should positively influence their eligibility for programme accreditation by the Department of Social Development. At the same time. the results of the study have pointed towards other challenges. which were evaluated and discussed. / Criminology and Security Science / M.A. (Criminology)