Thesis (M.S.W.)--University of Hong Kong, 1991.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Texas State University-San Marcos, 2006. / Vita. Appendices: leaves 192-211. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 212-227).

Bibliography: leaves 109-114. / This study explores the attitudes of the magistrates, prosecutors, and the probation officers at the Sexual Offences Court at Wynberg Magistrates Court regarding the sentencing of male child sexual offenders, as well as the types of sentences passed on sex offenders. A combination of documentary evidence, that is, court files, and qualitative and quantitative research methods was used. The quantitative aspect of the research lies in the aggregation of data collected from the court files. The qualitative dimension of the study is reflected in the interview schedules administered to the judicial officials and probation officers. The research findings indicate that magistrates and prosecutors are well informed about significant legislation that influences the sentencing of sex offenders. It emerged from the findings that the value systems and personal biases of magistrates surface when passing sentences on sex offenders. Lack of training opportunities for all judicial officials and probation officers in addition to a poor prison system with inadequate rehabilitation structures, were regarded as key challenges faced during the sentencing process. In the light of the research findings, recommendations were made to address the inconsistent sentencing practices of magistrates in regard to sexual offenders.

published_or_final_version / Social Work / Master / Master of Social Work

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This thesis analyzes the relationship between constitutional protections and probation in America. That relationship is not a clear one because traditional protections of individual rights focus on the person accused of a crime while probation focuses attention on the convicted defendant. Students of public law have paid little attention to the defendant following his conviction.

This thesis is based on a case study of the evaluation of an employment programme for drug-using offenders. Initially, my involvement was that of a studentship-funded research assistant, undertaking the associated duties and expectations of that role and working to an already agreed evaluation design. This design can be broadly categorised as quantitative, longitudinal, and summative. Subsequently, my role evolved, as did the evaluation methodology itself, becoming underpinned by Patton's notion of Utilisation Focus', and infused by the, what was initially unarticulated, constructivist hesitation I brought to the endeavour. The findings from the evaluation, which relate to direct Project outputs, staff and service user satisfaction, and service user motivation to participate in the evaluation, are presented. Primary intended user' response to these, as well as the evaluation itself, are gauged from interviews undertaken after a reading of the evaluation final report. I then consider what this case study of one evaluation might tell us about the art of evaluation itself. What might be the lessons for valuation which could be useful for others?