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)

MA (Youth in Development) / Institute for Gender and Youth Studies / This research was conducted in the Thohoyandou Correctional Centre within the Female/Juvenile place found in the Thulamela Municipality in the Vhembe District. It is approximately 200km to the north of Limpopo Provincial capital of Polokwane. It focuses on finding out factors that influence offenders to re-offend again, investigate recidivism among youth offenders and identify some of the problems relating to recidivism. The research consisted of juvenile offenders incarcerated in the Thohoyandou Correctional Centre within the juvenile area. Both groups of sentenced male and female juveniles participated in the study. The research used non-probability sampling. Purposive sampling was used to gather information within the Thohoyandou Correctional Centre. The research used interviews and focus group interviews as methods of collecting data. The interviews were conducted using English and Tshivenda then the responses were translated from Tshivenda to English. The researcher interviewed young offenders who have offended and re-offended. The researcher used grounded theory as a method to analyse data. This method helped the researcher to generate theory from the data collected

Children are the most vulnerable group. Their protection should be a priority for society. In particular, those who are accused of committing crime need to be protected from entering the criminal justice system and measures should be put in place to prevent the stigmatisation associated with having a criminal record. Such protection is endorsed by section 28 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (1996).This study outlines the role played by a probation officer in the diversion process. This was achieved by examining international and national instruments that promote the protection of children in conflict with the law. The Child Justice Act No. 75 of 2008 forms part of national instruments. It provides guidelines for probation officers and other stake holders in the justice system on how to deal with children who are accused of committing crimes. Recommendations on the identified challenges and gaps are made. / Corrections Management / M.A. (Corrections Management)