Summaries in English and Afrikaans / This research project was undertaken to establish what influence the lack of discipline amongst prisoners and members of Correctional Services has on the rehabilitation of offenders. A complete literature study was done to investigate the current lack of discipline amongst prisoners and members. Discipline is also brought into relationship with community based sentences such as Correctional Supervision as well as the involvement of the community in the release of prisoners. Positive rehabilitation can lead to crime prevention but the Department of Correctional Services and the community will have to take hands to reach this common goal. This subject needs further research in order to make recommendations to promote rehabilitation of off enders and to uplift the standard of discipline within the Department of Correctional Services. / Hierdie ondersoek is onderneem om die invloed van gevangenes en personeeldissipline binne die Departement Korrektiewe Dienste in verband te bring met die invloed wat dit het op die rehabilitasie van oortreders. 'n Volledige literatuurstudie is gedoen om die huidige tendens van swak dissipline onder gevangenes sowel as lede te ondersoek. Die dissipline word ook in verband gebring met gemeenskapgebaseerde vonnisse soos byvoorbeeld Korrektiewe toesig sowel as die betrokkenheid van die gemeenskap by die vrylating van oortreders. Positiewe rehabilitasie kan lei tot misdaadvoorkoming, maar dan sal die Departement Korrektiewe Dienste en die gemeenskap moet hande vat om hierdie gemeenskaplike doel te bereik. Verdere navorsing in die verband word beoog om sodoende werkbare aanbevelings te kan doen ten opsigte van beter dissipline onder gevangenes en personeel van die Departement Korrektiewe Dienste. / Penology / M.A. (Penology)

The goal of this research study was to explore and describe the experiences of parents whose children have completed the diversion programme in order to make recommendations to probation officers, social workers and people who facilitate the diversion programmes. The study focused on the Youth Empowerment Scheme programme (YES Programme) because it is the diversion programme mostly used in the Eastern Cape. The aim of the programme is to divert young people in trouble with the law away from the criminal justice system and to rehabilitate the young offenders by providing them with essential life skills that can address the offenders’ real problems. In the study the researcher made use of a qualitative research approach in an attempt to explore the experiences of parents whose children have completed the YES programme. The permission of the gatekeeper was sought before the study commenced. The researcher used purposive sampling to recruit participants. Data was collected by means of semi-structured interviews. In analysing the data, the researcher used the steps for qualitative data analysis as stated in Creswell (2003:192). Three main themes along with sub-themes and categories were identified during the process of data analysis. The main findings that emanated from this study were: the seemingly upcoming culture of lack of respect for authority on the part of the youth of today. Another major finding of this study is that the traditional function of families, notably, socialisation of young people within the family structure is on the wane. The recommendations that emanated from this study are: that the YES programme needs to be adjusted to address the specific needs of children that are referred to the YES programme and those of their families and communities. Family life should be strengthened through community development programmes that seek to address family problems of any nature, namely, material, psycho-social, economic, to mention just a few. Community development programmes should address fragile families through community development approaches that are comprehensive and integrated.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the implementation of the Unit Management into the South African Correctional Centres of Excellence. The focal point is based on the case management, multi-disciplinary approach, monitoring, and human rights of offenders. Unit Management was adopted into South African correctional system in 1995 under the leadership of the former Minister of Correctional Services Dr Sipho Mzimela. Unit Management was firstly practiced at Goodwood Correctional Centre of Excellence in the Western Cape. The concept of Unit Management was viewed as a strategic change by the Department in ensuring the core business of the Department and the rehabilitation of offenders. In an effort to examine the application of Unit Management into the Correctional Centres of Excellence and how Unit Management influences the rehabilitation of sentenced offenders, a study was conducted to acquire knowledge and perspective from the available literature. In ensuring good and proper work, the researcher employed a qualitative methodology. The researcher collected data by means of structured questionnaires. Data were analysed using SPSS system for statistical reasons. Frequency tables were used to simplify the analysis per section and category. The findings from this study revealed that there is no monitoring of Unit Management taking place into the Correctional Centres of Excellence from management, there is no management involvement. It also revealed that the human rights of offenders are not respected during the implementation of Unit Management. The findings revealed that multi-disciplinary approach is dysfunctional owing to lack of professional staff. The findings also indicate that efforts to implement Unit Management into the Correctional Centres of Excellence are a failure owing to the abovementioned factors. / Corrections Management / M.A. (Penology)

PhD (Health Sciences ) / Department of Psychology / The rate of incarceration is historically high. Increasingly, research points to the negative effects of incarceration among offenders, particularly in adult facilities. Literature published since 2000 suggests that incarceration fails to meet the developmental and criminogenic needs of offenders and is limited in its ability to provide appropriate rehabilitation. Incarceration often results in negative behavioural and mental health consequences such as suicidal thoughts and attempts. Suicide is often the single most common cause of death in correctional settings. The psychological impact of incarceration and its implications for post-prison, free world adjustments are substantial. The severe behavioural problems of offenders are a result of complex and interactive individual and environmental factors which elicit and maintain offending behaviour. The study sought to develop a model to facilitate effective psychological services among offenders in long-term incarceration correctional services. The study consisted of two phases, namely the empirical phase and conceptualisation phase. In phase one, which was the empirical phase, a qualitative approach was employed. The study utilised phenomenological, explorative, and contextual designs. The study population comprised of male offenders who were serving their long-term incarceration in the Vhembe District at Limpopo Province. Thirty offenders and one clinical psychologist were purposively selected. Data were collected from participants using semi-structured interviews. In-depth information about their experiences physical and mental risks of being incarcerated, as well as the coping mechanisms they used during incarceration was collected. Unstructured interviews were used to collect information about psychological services that are being rendered at correctional centres and their effectives from the only psychologist who participated in the study. Field notes as well as observations were also used methods of data collection. Data analysis was done using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis and Thematic data analysis. Relevant ethical principles were adhered to. Informed consent was sought from participants prior to the commencement of the study. The study further maintained the aspect of confidentiality and privacy since it was dealing with human subjects and sensitive issues. Issues of trustworthiness; credibility, dependability, transferability and conformability were ensured. The study findings revealed that most of the offenders were not very happy with the kind of mental health services they received from the correctional centres. They reported that correctional centres had a potential to make one totally insane. However, for one to make sense of what is happening at the correctional centres, one would need to receive mental vi health services. Furthermore, the study also discovered that one of the correctional centres is not providing offenders with mental health services and this makes it difficult for offenders to cope with their long-term incarceration since rehabilitation is not taking place. Findings also showed that offenders in one of the two centres were at a greater risk of contracting communicable diseases at the correctional centre due to overcrowding, poor health care system and poor hygiene. Concept analysis was done using Dickoff, James and Wiedenbach, (1968) guidelines. The framework adopted six guidelines that were used in theory development. A model was developed using the Walker and Avant (1995) framework to enhance the effectiveness of facilitation of psychological services at Thohoyandou correctional services and Kutama-Sinthumule Maximum correctional centre. The researcher recommends that mental health policies should be implemented to enhance and scale up mental health services in both correctional centres. / NRF

Corrections has always been conventionally known as an occupational discipline and not a profession. The organization of corrections has been spoken of as a penitentiary, bearing in mind that the models of the buildings were meant for punishment; with correctional officers recognized as guards. The role of the guards was that of the keeper of the keys and their duty was mainly custodial in nature. The occupation was mainly attractive to white males with a record of unemployment and not much education. The occupation was stable, and did not require for any extra skill. Certain researchers believe that the selection methods for prison warders were extremely relaxed with a small amount of empirical validity. There was also thinking that a correctional officer needed a 20/20 vision and an IQ of an imbecile. Conversely, it has been perceived that a correctional officer can be the most significant individual in the offender’s life, having an influence in refining or declining the success of the different treatment programs that an offender undergoes (Josi & Sechrest, 1998, p. 3). Corrections is a human service occupation. Therefore, human service workers need to have knowledge of human behaviour and be able to assess their perspectives on any behaviour wisely and thus formulate reliable estimations. This will give them the opportunity to enjoy suitable decision making powers and formulate a trend on professional behaviour. Their knowledge of human behaviour will also strengthen the capability to foresee behaviour and give special knowledge to prevent any hesitancy(Williamson, 1990, p. 43). The role of the correctional officers (security staff) has intensely changed over the past few decades.The correctional officer is in today's corrections, expected to balance security and still be responsible for changing the behaviour of offenders constructively (Josi & Sechrest, 1998, p. 11). In order to have a comprehensive understanding of the distinctive and contradictory role of the correctional officer, it is very important to appreciate the changes that have transpired in penal philosophy all through the centuries. Throughout the research, the researcher will make an effort to capture the heritage of corrections and the evolving systems of punishment of Europe, the United States of America and South Africa and look at the applications of the rehabilitation concept and how the Correctional Officer has been utilised as a skilled and knowledgeable professional in the whole process. The aim of the research being to determine the effect that correctional and professional officers have on rehabilitation of offenders and determine the process by which the Correctional environment can be transformed to a true profession of highest integrity and competence. Objectives for the study will be: • To analyse the history and development of Corrections internationally and its philosophical background • To examine the impact of the history of rehabilitation in the South African Corrections system, from the development of the first prisons in 1652 to the demilitarisation of prisons system in the 1990s, right through to the actualisation of the South African White Paper on Corrections, 2005 • To critically examine the professional status of the Corrections occupation against other existing professions. The issues on education, training, credentialing, autonomy, code of ethics and special expertise are some of the aspects that will be looked at as the primary criterion for professions • To explain the conception of rehabilitation and its development and application both internationally and nationally • To critically look at the importance of Corrections system while highlighting the mandated role of the Correctional officer and the duality of the role of balancing security and rehabilitation. The study will contribute on the basis of knowledge in particular regard to Education and Training of Correctional Officers. A model will be developed for South African Correctional Services Systems and predominant focus will be on the performance and education and training of Correctional Officers in South Africa. / Penology / D. Litt. et Phil. (Penology)

The transformation of the Department of Correctional Services into an institution of rehabilitation and the promotion of corrections as a societal responsibility brought a new dimension to the release policy of South Africa. A new Correctional Services Act 111 of 1998 came into effect and the Department of Correctional Services published a White Paper on Corrections during 2005. The idealistic correctional goal of protecting the community while rehabilitating the offender has served as a reason for conducting research into the parole process from a South African perspective. The qualitative aim of the study is to explore parole as a phenomenon and to describe the process involved in successfully reintegrating an offender into the community. The significant role that Correctional Supervision and Parole Boards play in the parole process and the emphasis they place on community safety, the interest of the victim and the rehabilitation and control of offenders as part of their mission statement are highlighted in the study. / Penology / M.A. (Penology)

The transformation of the Department of Correctional Services into an institution of rehabilitation and the promotion of corrections as a societal responsibility brought a new dimension to the release policy of South Africa. A new Correctional Services Act 111 of 1998 came into effect and the Department of Correctional Services published a White Paper on Corrections during 2005. The idealistic correctional goal of protecting the community while rehabilitating the offender has served as a reason for conducting research into the parole process from a South African perspective. The qualitative aim of the study is to explore parole as a phenomenon and to describe the process involved in successfully reintegrating an offender into the community. The significant role that Correctional Supervision and Parole Boards play in the parole process and the emphasis they place on community safety, the interest of the victim and the rehabilitation and control of offenders as part of their mission statement are highlighted in the study. / Penology / M.A. (Penology)

This report is the culmination of literature study and semi-structured interviews which assisted in developing a Model for Implementation of Restorative Justice in the South African Correctional System. The study explores the use of Restorative Justice as part of rehabilitation in a prison setting. Literature focuses mainly on Restorative Justice as part of diversion, in cases of first offenders and less serious offences. Restorative Justice with sentenced offenders has been gaining momentum, though. Diversity in terms of language, cultural and religious practice as well as social background, should be considered as it affects the decision to enter into a Restorative Justice process. Restorative Justice with sentenced offenders is challenging and in the main a largely unsupported field. The study draws on experience from other countries, while at the same time advocate for uniquely South African practice. The involvement of the most important role players, namely victim, offender and the community is emphasized. Attitude and insufficient training seem to be some of the challenges for the implementation of Restorative Justice. Successes are reported in the few sites where Restorative Justice is implemented in the Correctional System, but a change of mindset, of being open to possibilities other than lock-up and punish in the entire Criminal Justice System is needed. Restorative Justice in the Correctional System seems to have been approached as yet another new programme, and not as a paradigm shift for the entire Criminal Justice System. Dealing with conflict in a restorative way should be at the front end of the chain, with young children whose behaviour can be directed, as changing behaviour of adults proves to be difficult. Repentance and forgiveness in different cultures and spiritual backgrounds are some of the issues that are grappled with, although forgiveness is nowhere indicated as a requirement for a successful Restorative Justice process. Voluntary participation is required from victims and offenders with support from communities. It remains a deeply spiritual and individual journey for those who choose to turn away from anger, fear and hatred, and start the process of personal healing and restoration. Restorative Justice with sentenced offenders can assist in dealing with the aftermath of crime. / Penology / D. Litt. et Phil. (Penology)

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))

This dissertation is the culmination of extensive literature study on the application of Restorative Justice in the South African Correctional System. International and national resources on the application of Restorative Justice both in Corrections and as pre-sentence option had been studied. The background of the penal system and the development of Restorative Justice as part of the Criminal Justice System are investigated by looking at ancient practices, indigenous and modern practices. The study intends to draw on experience from other countries, while at the same time advocate for the development of a uniquely South African model or practice. The role of the most important stakeholders, namely victim, offender and community is emphasized with reference to the challenges that offenders face in terms of reintegration and the lack of resources in communities to enable them to honour Restorative Justice agreements. / Criminology / M. A. (Criminology)