M.Ed. / The aim of this research study is to analyze the Youth Empowerment Scheme critically, within the requirements of reformative justice. The study is motivated by the fact that crime in South Africa is on the increase. Most offenders are between the ages of 16- and 20 years. An effective rehabilitation program for first time youth offenders as part of diversion is critical to prevent further crime by these offenders. The Youth Empowerment Scheme is a program currently run by the National Institute for Crime Intervention and the Reintegration of Offenders in an attempt to prevent a criminal record and further crime. The researcher compared the current retributive justice system with the proposed reformative justice system to identify the implications of these justice systems for the youth offender. The principles of the reformative justice system and the Youth Empowerment Scheme were analyzed to formulate criteria to improve the reformative potential of the program. In the achievement of the above-mentioned study goal, the researcher applied the techniques of qualitative research and specifically used the Youth Empowerment Scheme as a case study according to this paradigm. The data was gathered through a variety of techniques (questionares, literature review, observation, field notes and an interview) which enhanced the viability and reliability of the study through triangulation. The researcher attended the Youth Empowerment Scheme, which gave her the opportunity to explore and describe the program within its natural context. Further data was gained through questionares completed by the youth offenders and an interview with their parents/guardians. From the data certain themes were identified that highlighted aspects of the Youth Empowerment Scheme that should be changed to ensure a more effective rehabilitation program. These themes led to the formulation of guidelines to improve the Youth Empowerment Scheme. The formulated guidelines focus on the following aspects: The facilitators of the program. The social context and potential of the youth offenders. The content of the program. The group size of the program. The duration of the program. Participation of the parents/guardians. Principles of reformative justice. Protection of the youth offender, by law. The limitations of the study and the role of the Educational Psychologist were discussed. The researcher also proposes that this study presents a lot of other research opportunities.

Many children in conflict with the law are not receiving the relevant education and services to which they are entitled. Convention on the Rights of the Child, proclaim that the convicted child‟s needs of persons of their age, like the right to appropriate education must be addressed as a matter of urgency. In addition, there is a serious lack of properly trained personnel who might be causing more impairment to children in conflict with the law, but who remain in the system. The appointment of relevant and appropriate staff in correctional facilities is definitely required. For instance, many young offenders lacked a decent education, social skills and occupational skills and involvement of parents, peers and the community. If essential programmes become successful, this will not only improve the livelihood of children in conflict with the law, but will also reduce recidivism rates. Qualified teachers and caregivers are required because the children in conflict with the law require specialised programmes like Individual Education Plan (IEP). The IEP is a basic aspect in providing quality special education services to help a particular learner attain his or her maximum learning potential. The aim of this study was to develop socio-ecological framework in understanding and giving support to children in conflict with the law. Bronfenbrenner‟s ecological model was used as a conceptual framework. Qualitative research design and phenomenology as a mode of enquiry were employed in this study. Interpretivism was used a philosophical paradigm. Population was learners, between ages of eleven and seventeen, from three correctional facilities. Purposive sampling was used as a method of sample selection. The findings in this study indicated that the children in conflict with the law resented the teachers showing signs of being judgemental, for failing to acknowledge their efforts and for being unresponsive to their needs. Initial desires to succeed in the classroom were replaced by frustration, anger, hopelessness and disappointment following failure. Many of their acting out behaviours were an expression of this anger and disappointment. / Inclusive Education / D. Ed. (Inclusive Education)

Many children in conflict with the law are not receiving the relevant education and services to which they are entitled. Convention on the Rights of the Child, proclaim that the convicted child‟s needs of persons of their age, like the right to appropriate education must be addressed as a matter of urgency. In addition, there is a serious lack of properly trained personnel who might be causing more impairment to children in conflict with the law, but who remain in the system. The appointment of relevant and appropriate staff in correctional facilities is definitely required. For instance, many young offenders lacked a decent education, social skills and occupational skills and involvement of parents, peers and the community. If essential programmes become successful, this will not only improve the livelihood of children in conflict with the law, but will also reduce recidivism rates. Qualified teachers and caregivers are required because the children in conflict with the law require specialised programmes like Individual Education Plan (IEP). The IEP is a basic aspect in providing quality special education services to help a particular learner attain his or her maximum learning potential. The aim of this study was to develop socio-ecological framework in understanding and giving support to children in conflict with the law. Bronfenbrenner‟s ecological model was used as a conceptual framework. Qualitative research design and phenomenology as a mode of enquiry were employed in this study. Interpretivism was used a philosophical paradigm. Population was learners, between ages of eleven and seventeen, from three correctional facilities. Purposive sampling was used as a method of sample selection. The findings in this study indicated that the children in conflict with the law resented the teachers showing signs of being judgemental, for failing to acknowledge their efforts and for being unresponsive to their needs. Initial desires to succeed in the classroom were replaced by frustration, anger, hopelessness and disappointment following failure. Many of their acting out behaviours were an expression of this anger and disappointment. / Inclusive Education / D. Ed. (Inclusive Education)

Helping youths acquire educational skills is one of the most effective approaches to the prevention of delinquency and reduction of recidivism. Access to a high-quality education is particularly important for the growing number of youth committed to juvenile corrections, especially for those who have been diagnosed with a disability. Research has shown a tremendous gap about the academic outcomes of incarcerated juveniles with emotional disabilities. Thus, the focus of this study was to examine the academic outcomes in reading and math for youth with emotional/behavioral disorders (E/BD) released from Texas Youth Commission (TYC) programs between September 2003 and September 2004. The study examined if the rate of academic growth in reading and math as indicated by pre- and post-test scores on the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE), are different for youth with E/B as compared to youth with other disabilities and youth without disabilities who were adjudicated in TYC programs.

Inclusion has been embraced in many communities as a useful strategy in addressing learner diversity. Juveniles in correctional centres are usually different and have various needs. Applying inclusion in such a setup is envisaged to address the needs of diverse learners. The study focuses on how inclusion can be used as a strategy to promote social wellness of juvenile offenders in a bid to reduce recidivism and to facilitate smooth social re-integration. The aim of the study was to investigate and explore ways in which inclusion can be used to promote social wellness among juvenile offenders. The ecosystemic theoretical framework was used as a lens to explore the impact of social systems in the development of juvenile offenders. Qualitative research design was used and data were collected by means of semi-structured interviews. Ten juveniles and teachers were selected in a Gauteng correctional centre on the basis of availability and willingness. Participants were informed that their participation was voluntary and all the information concerning the study was communicated to them. They were given consent forms to complete after they had agreed to participate. Findings revealed that education at the centre promotes social wellness and had resulted in positive behavioural change among most juveniles. Relationships among juveniles and with stakeholders also improved with education received at the centre. The major challenges faced were that teachers had not received adequate training in inclusion and inadequate psycho-social support was given to inmates. It was recommended that teachers be given in-service training in inclusion and how to deal with learners with behavioural challenges. More psycho- social support should be provided and family involvement to be intensified. / Inclusive Education / M. Ed. (Inclusive Education)

Juvenile delinquency amongst school-going adolescents is a growing concern in South Africa. Initiatives by policy-makers, educationists and school authorities, amongst others, have not yielded the desired changes in learner behaviour. This dissertation focuses on adolescent delinquency amongst learners in Gauteng secondary schools, with the precise aim of making recommendations to address the problem. An extensive literature review was conducted. An interpretive-constructivist paradigm with a mainly qualitative design was followed. A questionnaire and focus group interviews were administered to teachers. The findings confirmed the researcher’s view that juvenile delinquency in schools is escalating and warrants attention and intervention from all stakeholders. The main conclusion drawn from this research was that current policies and interventions on learner behaviour had no impact because policy-makers lacked the necessary will to ensure that interventions were implemented, reviewed and monitored. This study argues for a multi-pronged approach to address the problem. The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) should review its policies and approach to the problem, and support teachers to ensure that teaching and learning remain the main priority of schooling. Future research could explore the role of social ills in the South African context on the development of learners’ antisocial behaviour. / Educational Foundations / M. Ed. (Socio-Education)

Inclusion has been embraced in many communities as a useful strategy in addressing learner diversity. Juveniles in correctional centres are usually different and have various needs. Applying inclusion in such a setup is envisaged to address the needs of diverse learners. The study focuses on how inclusion can be used as a strategy to promote social wellness of juvenile offenders in a bid to reduce recidivism and to facilitate smooth social re-integration. The aim of the study was to investigate and explore ways in which inclusion can be used to promote social wellness among juvenile offenders. The ecosystemic theoretical framework was used as a lens to explore the impact of social systems in the development of juvenile offenders. Qualitative research design was used and data were collected by means of semi-structured interviews. Ten juveniles and teachers were selected in a Gauteng correctional centre on the basis of availability and willingness. Participants were informed that their participation was voluntary and all the information concerning the study was communicated to them. They were given consent forms to complete after they had agreed to participate. Findings revealed that education at the centre promotes social wellness and had resulted in positive behavioural change among most juveniles. Relationships among juveniles and with stakeholders also improved with education received at the centre. The major challenges faced were that teachers had not received adequate training in inclusion and inadequate psycho-social support was given to inmates. It was recommended that teachers be given in-service training in inclusion and how to deal with learners with behavioural challenges. More psycho- social support should be provided and family involvement to be intensified. / Inclusive Education / M. Ed. (Inclusive Education)

Juvenile delinquency amongst school-going adolescents is a growing concern in South Africa. Initiatives by policy-makers, educationists and school authorities, amongst others, have not yielded the desired changes in learner behaviour. This dissertation focuses on adolescent delinquency amongst learners in Gauteng secondary schools, with the precise aim of making recommendations to address the problem. An extensive literature review was conducted. An interpretive-constructivist paradigm with a mainly qualitative design was followed. A questionnaire and focus group interviews were administered to teachers. The findings confirmed the researcher’s view that juvenile delinquency in schools is escalating and warrants attention and intervention from all stakeholders. The main conclusion drawn from this research was that current policies and interventions on learner behaviour had no impact because policy-makers lacked the necessary will to ensure that interventions were implemented, reviewed and monitored. This study argues for a multi-pronged approach to address the problem. The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) should review its policies and approach to the problem, and support teachers to ensure that teaching and learning remain the main priority of schooling. Future research could explore the role of social ills in the South African context on the development of learners’ antisocial behaviour. / Educational Foundations / M. Ed. (Socio-Education)

This paper will provide an examination of a Youth Accountability Board currently operating in San Bernardino County, California.

This study focuses on the experiences of teachers in addressing the academic wellness of juvenile offender learners in the Correctional Centre. The main aim was to explore and understand the experiences of teachers in addressing the academic wellness of juvenile offender learners in a Correctional Centre School. In order to achieve this aim, the researcher used Bronfenbrenner’s eco-systemic theory (1977) and the Wellness theory by Hettler (1980) as a theoretical framework. The study was conducted at one of the Correctional Centres in Gauteng Province, South Africa. Purposive sampling was used, and two Correctional School teachers were selected. The study was qualitative in nature, embedded within an interpretive paradigm and used a phenomenological approach. After ethical measures were addressed, data were collected using the semi-structured interviews (Henning, Van Rensburg & Smit, 2004). The findings revealed that teachers implemented effective teaching strategies towards the enrichment of the academic wellness of the juvenile offenders in the Correctional Centre. Teachers indicated that there are barriers to learning in the Correctional School. Level of literacy and numeracy skills are low among juvenile offender learners. Some learners are not interested in learning and they have poor educational background. However, teachers revealed from the findings that indicate that effective schooling rehabilitates and could lower recidivism. An additional theme indicated that learning and teaching support materials (LTSM) are not adequately available. Moreover, teachers need empowerment and development in the Correctional setting and to be equipped or skilled adequately on necessary knowledge to handle special school environment and its challenges. Recommendation was made that to enhance and improve juvenile offender learners’ academic wellness, ample time spent during lock-up should instead be allocated to the Correctional School, be used efficiently and effectively. / Inclusive Education / M. Ed. (Inclusive Education)