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.

South Africa is one of the countries that have a high rate of recidivism, especially amongst adult male 1offenders; this is evident in the large numbers flocking into the prisons. The high rate of recidivism is a serious problem in that it not only affects the offender and his immediate family, but also other vulnerable groups in society, as well as the government. The study intended to uncover various factors which contribute to this recidivism, as a phenomenon; South Africa has a notable dearth of research on factors contributing to recidivism. Unavailability of scientific research data has a negative impact on the fight against recidivism because it is empirical findings that can inform appropriate efficient and effective remedies to the challenge of recidivism. This qualitative study utilised explorative, contextual, phenomenological and descriptive research designs with the ecological system theory as a framework. Data were collected by means of semi-structured, face-to-face interviews with adult males who have re-offended after being reintegrated with their families. Data analysis was guided by thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2013:175) while Lincoln & Guba’s model in Bryman (2012:392) was employed for data verification. Ethical considerations were upheld throughout this study. / Social Work / M.A. (Social Work)

MA (Psychology) / Department of Psychology / Correctional Service inmate rehabilitation and rising issues of recidivism have been of interest within the Justice System with the mind to improve and ensure not only functionality but the effectiveness of every effort put toward rehabilitating inmates. Individuals are not convicted with the intention of closing them off from society completely, but to have their abnormal behavior corrected (this speaks to effective rehabilitation programmes and successful re-entry). Inevitably, this makes the parole period pivotal for assessing these programmes and why rehabilitation is not directly resulting in successful re-entry since parolees are more at risk to reoffend, making up the rising margin of recidivism of over 70% in South Africa. It then becomes significant to look into whether rehabilitative programmes are effective according to individuals who have practically been on the receiving end. This study investigated the lived experiences that recidivist parolees had of rehabilitation by taking a closer look at their lived experiences. This was qualitatively realized by employing to the study: interpretive phenomenological design. From a population of recidivist parolees residing in Vhembe District, after agreeing to participate in the study, a sample of 10 participants was interviewed (in accordance to data saturation) which were attained through the snowball sampling technique. From this sample, data was collected through the use of semi-structured open-ended interviews and analyzed through interpretive phenomenological analysis. This process yielded the following results. Generally, participants felt that rehabilitation programmes are not effective and play a very small role in influencing change. This is a similar case with re-entry into society. In light of this, participants reported that they have difficulty fitting into society as normal members because of social stigma, chronic trauma, not getting enough support after release and not being eligible for employment. Participants also reported irregular administration and accessibility of the programmes for all inmates. In light of these results, rehabilitation should be compulsory for all inmates and should also include post arrest programmes. / NRF

Thesis (MPA)--Stellenbosch University, 2014. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Increasingly, concerns are being raised about the growing incidents of recidivism in South Africa. Of great concern is that reoffending often involves serious crimes such as murder, rape, robbery and substance abuse. The main purpose of this research was to assess how well rehabilitation programmes are implemented in the Boksburg Management Area, and to determine whether such efforts benefited offenders. Based on a qualitative case study design, data was collected from this area using semi-structured interviews, document analysis and observation in September 2013. Participants included programme officials, social workers, facilitators, case managers, inmates and representatives from participating NPOs and CBOs. A nonprobability sampling method called purposive sampling was utilised to construct this sample. The study used the 5C model as the basis for assessing the implementation of the rehabilitation programme in the Boksburg Management Area and the following findings are as identified. Firstly, the officials are conversant with the goals of the rehabilitation programme. The country’s socio economic circumstances have an influence on rehabilitation as evidenced by the wide variety of projects offered, including literacy initiatives, bakery services, furniture manufacturing, and welding, landscaping and community-based agricultural projects. Commitment can be increased and harnessed to obtain support for organisational ends and interests through such ploys as participation in decisions and actions. Capacity is the key to successful execution and sustainability of rehabilitative programme. Lastly, the offenders as clients are the key beneficiaries of rehabilitation programmes and that formation of alliances with civil organisations is critical for effective implementation of rehabilitation programme. It was therefore concluded that while substantial gains had been realised in implementing the rehabilitation programme, however more efforts were required to improve access to rehabilitation services. Amongst other things, the study recommended that institutional capacity be improved to ensure that inmates benefit immensely from the rehabilitation programme. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Daar word toenemend kommer uitgespreek oor groeiende residivisme in Suid-Afrika. Die feit dat herhalende oortredings dikwels ernstige misdade soos moord, verkragting, roof en delmmisbruik insluit, is erg kommerwekkend. Die hoofdoel van hierdie navorsing was om vas te stel hoe doeltreffend rehabilitasieprogramme in die Boskburg Bestuursarea geïmplimenteer word en om vas te stel of sulke pogings oortreders bevoordeel het. Die studie-ontwerp van die ondersoek is gebaseer op kwalitatiewe gevallestudies. Data is uit hierdie area bekom deur die gebruik van semi-gestruktureerde onderhoude, dokument anaslise en observasie gedurende September 2013. Deelnemers het programbeamptes, maatskaplike werkers, fasiliteerders, saakbestuurders, gevangenes en verteenwoordigers van deelnemende nie-winsgewende organisasies en gemeenskapsgebaseerde organisasies ingesluit. ‘n Nie-waarskynlikheids steekproefmetode, bekend as ‘n doelmatigheidssteekproefneming, is gebruik om hierdie steekproef saam te stel. Die studie het die 5C model as basis vir die assessering van die rehabilitasieprogram in die Boksburg Bestuursarea gebruik en die volgende bevindings is gemaak. Eerstens is bevind dat die beamptes vertroud is met die doelwitte van die rehabilitasieprogram. Die land se sosio-ekonomiese onstandigehde het ‘n invloed op rehabilitasie soos bewys deur ‘n wye verskeidenheid projekte wat aangebied word, insluitend geletterdheidsinisiatiewe, bakkerydienste, meubelvervaardiging, sweiswerk, tuinaanleg en gemeenskapsgebaseerde landbouprojekte. Betrokkenheid kan verhoog en behou word, met die oog daarop om ondersteuning vir organisatoriese doelwitte en belange te verkry, deur byvoorbeeld deelname aan besluite en aksies. Kapasiteit is die sleutel tot die suksesvolle uitvoering en volhoubaarheid ‘n rehabilitasieprogram. Laastens, is oortreders as kliënte die vernaamste voordeeltrekkers van rehabilitasieprograamme. Die vorming van bondgenootskappe met burgerlike organisasies is van kritieke belang vir die effektiewe implementasie van ‘n rehabilitasieprogram. Hoewel beduidende vordering reeds plaasgevind het met die implementasie van die rehabilitasieprogram, was die gevolgtrekking dus dat meer pogings vereis word om toegang tot rehabilitasiedienste te verbeter. Die studie het, onder andere, aanbeveel dat institusionele kapasiteit verbeter moet word om te verseker dat gevangenes ontsaglik baat vind by die rehabilitasieprogram.

Thesis (M Social Work)--Stellenbosch University, 2015. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Adolescence is the developmental stage between childhood and adulthood. This indicates a growth process the goal of which is maturity. This growth process is regarded as a turbulent phase as there are various adolescent developmental tasks to be mastered that bring about certain challenges. These challenges have resulted in youths engaging in risk-taking behaviour, such as antisocial behaviour and committing crime. Several factors or social problems in South Africa lead to the vulnerability of youths, which leads to crime. The purpose of this study was to investigate the perspectives of probation officers regarding the contribution of diversion programmes for male juvenile offenders to prevent re-offending. The research was done on the basis of an extensive literature review, which focused on the nature and extent of youth crime, the legal points of departure of the Child Justice Act (75 of 2008) and diversion programmes to prevent re-offending. A combined quantitative and qualitative research approach and an exploratory and descriptive research design was utilized in this study because the researcher wanted to develop a better understanding of the social problem or phenomenon and the perspectives of probation officers with respect to the contribution of diversion programmes for male juvenile offenders, as well as the factors that lead to re-offending in South Africa. The respondents consisted of all probation officers employed by government organizations in the Eden-Karoo Region who have the necessary knowledge and experience regarding the topic. A purposive, non-probability sampling was used. Data were gathered through a semi-structured questionnaire in 20 separate interviews. The composition of the questionnaire was based on the information obtained from the literature review. Based on the results arising from the literature and empirical research, appropriate conclusions and recommendations were made. The results were largely confirmed by the literature review, namely that diversion programmes contribute to the prevention of re-offending if correctly implemented, that significant resources in the intervention should be involved and follow-up care and monitoring after the programmes or interventions must take place. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Adolessensie is die ontwikkelingstadium tussen die kinderjare en volwassenheid. Dit dui op ’n groeiproses waarvan die doelwit volwassenheid is. Hierdie groeiproses word beskou as ’n stormagtige fase aangesien die adolessent verskeie ontwikkelingstake moet bemeester wat sekere uitdagings meebring. Die uitdagings het tot gevolg dat die jeugdiges riskante gedrag toon, soos antisosiale optrede en die pleeg van misdaad. Verskeie faktore of maatskaplike probleme in Suid-Afrika lei daartoe dat jeugdiges kwesbaar is en betrokke raak by misdaad. Die doel van hierdie studie is om ondersoek te doen na die sieninge van proefbeamptes rakende die bydrae van afwentelingsprogramme vir manlike jeugoortreders om hermisdaadpleging te voorkom. Die ondersoek is gedoen aan die hand van ’n uitgebreide literatuurstudie, wat gefokus het op die aard en omvang van jeugmisdaad, die wetlike vertrekpunte van die Wet op Kindergeregtigheid (75 van 2008) en afwentelingsprogramme vir die voorkoming van hermisdaadpleging. ’n Gekombineerde kwantitatiewe en kwalitatiewe navorsingsbenadering en ’n verkennende en beskrywende navorsingsontwerp is in hierdie studie benut, omdat die navorser ’n beter begrip wou verkry van die maatskaplike probleem of fenomeen en die sieninge van proefbeamptes met betrekking tot die bydrae van afwentelingsprogramme vir manlike jeugoortreders. Die faktore wat aanleiding gee tot hermisdaadpleging in Suid-Afrika word ook verken. Die universum bestaan uit alle proefbeamptes werksaam by regeringsorganisasies in die Eden-Karoo Streek wat oor die nodige kennis en ervaring van die onderwerp beskik. ʼn Doelbewuste, nie-waarskynlikheid-steekproeftrekking is benut. Gegewens is ingewin deur middel van ’n semi-gestruktureerde vraelys in twintig afsonderlike onderhoude. Die samestelling van die onderhoudskedule is gegrond op die inligting wat uit die literatuuroorsig verkry is. Op grond van die resultate voortspruitend uit die literatuurstudie en empiriese ondersoek, kon toepaslike gevolgtrekkings en aanbevelings gemaak word. Die resultate het grotendeels die literatuuroorsig bevestig, naamlik dat afwentelingsprogramme bydra tot die voorkoming van hermisdaadpleging indien dit korrek geïmplementeer word, dat betekenisvolle hulpbronne in die intervensieproses betrek moet word en dat nasorg en monitering na afloop van die programme of maatskaplike intervensies moet geskied.

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)

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)

MA (Psychology) / Department of Psychology / Recidivism refers to re-offending behaviour, and recidivists are usually individuals who were arrested repeatedly for the same or different offences. The aim of this study was to explore the psychological effects of recidivism amongst male youth in Musina. This study employed the qualitative research approach because it required elaborated information which this paradigm promotes. This research adopted an exploratory design. The participants were selected through the use of purposive and snowball sampling. Data was gathered using semi-structured face to face interviews. The researcher used a voice recorder and a note pad to record the collected data. The findings of this study indicated that peer pressure, lack of education and unemployment, substance abuse, poverty, child neglect, parenting and supervision were the most common factors contributing to recidivism. The results of this study indicated that recidivists often commit petty crimes. The participants stated that these crimes included pick-pocketing, mugging, shoplifting and house breaking. Serious crimes were not common amongst the recidivists because only few of them committed serious crimes. The participants also reported that recidivism has negative impacts on their own personal lives, their families as well as on their education.

This study examines offender assessment from a criminological perspective. International and national research findings, as well as the Canadian (Level of Service Inventory - Revised, LSRI-R) and the British (Offender Assessment System, OASys) offender assessment structures, are used as guidelines to illustrate the practice of offender assessment. Offender needs and risk assessment targets are examined and highlighted for general (non-specific) as well as sex and other violent offenders. A qualitative research design, supported by explanatory, descriptive and exploratory goals, directs the methodology of this research project. Important assessment tools, such as interviewing, observation, document analysis and the application of theoretical explanations are used to assess and analyse four selected case studies (adult male offenders). These case studies are representative of the different dimensions of offender assessment, namely classification, intervention, risk management and pre-parole assessment. The offenders are individually assessed, analysed and evaluated to determine among other factors, the origin, onset, contributory factors, triggers, high-risk situations, and intervention indicators that can assist custodial therapists and the prison authorities with a more focused approach to the rehabilitation and management of offenders. Each case study is also supported by a theoretical explanation. This highlights the key role, function and contribution of criminologists in corrections, as well as the importance of a multi-fold perspective in the rehabilitation and correction of criminal behaviour. / Criminology / Thesis (D. Litt. et Phil. (Criminology))

In this research project the overcrowding problem in South African prisons will be analysed as well as the influence it had on the rehabilitation of offenders. The problem of overcrowding in South Africa's prisons is very clear when the approved accommodation of a prison is compared with the actual number of prisoners incarcerated. Prison sentences are a favoured form of punishment throughout the world. More and more people seek alternatives to incarceration in order to reduce prison overcrowding. The time to finalize criminal cases, releases on bail, the abolishment of minimum sentences and better utilization of community based sentences are some of the issues which can reduce overcrowding. One of the concepts that was implemented to establish rehabilitation within prisons was Unit Management. The number of prisoners incarcerated makes it difficult for Unit Management to be effective. In some cases prisoners are kept under inhumane conditions which is a violation of the Constitution of South Africa. Currently the morale of members of Correctional Services is very low and this has an influence on the way in which they treat prisoners. These members are supposed to be an example to prisoners but instead their bad behaviour has a negative influence on prisoner's discipline. Correctional Services goal is to make every member a rehabilitator but overcrowding will first have to be reduced. Individual attention to prisoners is one of the building blocks of Unit Management but overcrowding of prisons creates a member/prisoner ratio which is far too high to be effective with rehabilitating prisoners. Community based sentences can also be utilized more frequently by the courts. It can better rehabilitation possibilities and through this the objectives of punishment are met. In the past the focus of South African Law was on the criminal. With the Correctional Services Act (Act 111/1998) this focus was shifted to the victim as well. Both these parties can now come together and discuss the offence as well as the influence it had on the victim. This is called restorative justice and it helps the offender with re-integration into the community. / Criminology / D. Litt. et Phil. (Penology)