[No abstract submitted] / Arts, Faculty of / Philosophy, Department of / Graduate

Two reasons for studying delinquency were offered, and four early theories of delinquency mentioned briefly; the doctrine of plurality of causes was also discussed. It was suggested that an adequate theory is essential if we are to understand how delinquent behaviour comes about. The following six theories were examined, in the order named, along with relevant evidence, primarily from the familial area of research: a psychoanalytic theory of delinquency, Abrahamsen's theory of delinquency and criminality, the Healy-Bronner theory of delinquency, the "frustration-aggression hypothesis" as it relates to delinquency, the Dollard-Miller learning theory as applied to delinquency, and the identification theory of delinquency. Each of these theories was discussed, for purposes of analysis, under five main headings, wherever applicable, and criteria for evaluating the relative adequacy of the various theories were developed. A tentative definition of delinquency was offered, and the first four theories were discussed in terms of this definition; it was assumed to be true, or postulated, that delinquent behaviour is learned behaviour. Chapter VIII represents a digression in that it was deemed necessary to redefine delinquency before proceeding to discuss the latter two theories, the Dollard-Miller learning theory as applied to delinquency and the identification theory of delinquency. It was concluded that psychoanalysis is a good starting point for personality theorizing, but that it does not really explain how delinquency comes about, and does not enable us to predict delinquency; that the main variables introduced by Abrahamsen and by Healy and Bronner, "family tension" and "intense emotional discomfort," are too vaguely stated; that these theories do not incorporate specific, testable hypotheses; and that prediction is impeded; and that the "frustration-aggression hypothesis" as related to delinquency incorporates a logical fallacy. The Dollard-Miller learning theory as applied to delinquency, it was stated, may lead to more accurate predictions. The identification theory of delinquency, also, it was suggested, might, in its present state, enable us to make gross predictions. A cross-comparison of the six theories was then made in order to assess their relative adequacy and to indicate the propositions upon which they agree or disagree one with another. A critique of research dealing with delinquency was offered. In conclusion, a few general suggestions were set forth as to the nature of future research which would prove most fruitful. Implications for future theorizing were derived from the study, and it was suggested that an adequate theory, of delinquency, at this stage, deals in terms of intervening variables as well as independent or stimulus variables and dependent or response variables; that the theory must explain the individual as well as the "group" or class of delinquents; that it must state in an exact manner the antecedent conditions leading to delinquency; that it must be predictive in nature; and that it must be parsimonious. Finally, a brief discussion of the role of theory in science was presented, with particular reference to the kind of theorizing and research which has been evident in attempts to deal with the scientific problem as to how delinquency comes about. / Arts, Faculty of / Psychology, Department of / Graduate

Submitted to the Faculty of Arts in fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree Mater of Arts in the Department of Criminal Justice at the University of Zululand, South Africa, 2002. / The present study entails a statistical description of juvenile diversion in Durban, KwaZuIu-Natal. The handling and treatment of juvenile offenders remains a considerable problem to governments across the world. South Africa is no exception to the rule. In the past, thousands of teenagers who committed crime ended up in gaol and have been kept there for months - in most cases together with adult prisoners - awaiting their trial. Whenever they appeared in criminal courts they were seldom legally represented. For centuries, imprisonment and whipping of juvenile delinquents have been standard sentences handed down by the courts. Lately, diversion of juvenile offenders as an alternative form of dealing with problem youth outside the forma! justice system gained increased momentum. TTie National Institute for Crime Prevention and Reintegration of Offenders (NICRO) was established and instituted as a South African Prisoners Aid Association, charged with the treatment of juvenile offenders diverted to it by the Youth Court with the primary objective of successfully treating and reintegrating such offenders back into the community as worthwhile citizens. This study is based on a statistical analysis of 275 cases of diversion at NICRO's Durban office during a six-month period, namely 1 July to 31 December 2000, for which purposes a specially devised information schedule was developed and used as a data capturing instrument. The study aims were as follows: • To render a theoretical exposition of the nature and extent of juvenile justice in South Africa. • To render a theoretical exposition of juvenile diversion as an alternative to formal treatment and handling of juvenile offenders as well as the role of the National Institute for Crime Prevention and Reintegration of Offenders (NICRO) in this regard. • To provide statistical information regarding juveniles diverted to NICRO in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. Data show that - • Durban youth court diverted the largest number juvenile offenders to NICRO (69.45%). • Most diverted juvenile offenders resided at Umlazi (32.0%), just south of Durban. • Only 23 juveniles live| with either one or both their biological parents. • Sixty-one juveniles came from a four-child family. • In 30 cases investigated were the juvenile offenders a "first child" in the family. • Theft seems to be the most popular crime committed by most diverted juveniles (80.0%), followed by drug offences (7.0%). • Two-hundred and forty out of275 juveniles diverted to NICRO were in fact "accepted" for treatment and rehabilitation by this institute. • The fact that juveniles did not want to accept responsibility for their criminal actions was the most popular reason for not having been accepted by NICRO. • About 76.0% of the juveniles diverted to NICRO were accommodated under the Youth Empowerment Scheme (YES). • Just over two-thirds of the juveniles were from incomplete families. • In 48.0% of the cases was only one of the parents employed. Recommendations that were put forward are firmly based on statistical information forthcoming from this investigation.

Submitted to the Faculty of Arts in fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree Mater of Arts in the Department of Criminal Justice at the University of Zululand, South Africa, 1993. / This investigation examined certain problems and dilemmas in the juvenile court. Three problem areas were included: The accusatorial - inquisitorial view as the main approach in the juvenile justice system. The rehabilitative - retributive approach and its application to juvenile offenders. (Magistrates' sentencing objectives and their application to juvenile offenders.) The possibility of the application of the pre-trial judicial investigation in the juvenile court. In addition, a number of items were simultaneously included in the investigation and, where applicable, are included in this report The research questionnaires were delivered by hand to a number of magistrates in the Eastern Cape, Orange Free State and Transvaal. After a few weeks the questionnaires were collected and unstructured interviews were conducted with some of the magistrates. A total of 39 questionnaires were collected and use was made of the descriptive statistical technique to summarize and condense the data to measurable units. Because of the explorative-descriptive nature of the investigation the results can only be generalized to Eastern Cape, Orange Free State and Transvaal The following are the more significant findings: 1. Adjudication of Juvenile Offenders • 10,3% of magistrates accepted the accusatorial, 25,6% the inquisitorial, 33,3% the accusatorial - inquisitorial, and 30,8% the inquisitorial - accusatorial approaches. • 82,1% of magistrates agreed that in no country would one find a system which is purely accusatorial or inquisitorial. • a substantial record of previous convictions is to 74,4% of magistrates on aggravating circumstances. • The majority 89,7% of magistrates would feel justified in making allowance for mitigating circumstances if they had a particular sentencing objective in mind. • 89,7% of magistrates would regard mitigating circumstances as a juvenile's right to have sentence reduced. 2. Sentencing of Juvenile Offenders • 74,3% of magistrates rated reformation as a sentencing objective for juvenile offenders, as Very important'. • 743% of magistrates rated the need to expose the juvenile offender to treatment • 64,1% of magistrates rated the sentencing principle of protecting society from juvenile crime and helping the juvenile offender's development as complementary. • The most important factor which influences magistrates in reaching a sentence of community service is where the offender will benefit, 84,6%. • 61,5% of magistrates kept punishment in mind for assault on police. The results demonstrate that the rehabilitative - treatment objective and the retributive - punishment objective are the main objectives of sentencing in the juvenile court. 3. Pre-trial judicial investigation in juvenile courts • Approximately 74,4% of magistrates were in favour of pre-trial judicial investigation. • 71,8% of magistrates agreed that probation officers, and 71,8% agreed that criminologists can be helpful in the juvenile court. • Finally, one can accept that the majority of magistrates in this investigation support the implementation of a pre-trial judicial investigation in the juvenile justice system.

A dissertation submitted in fulfillment of the requirements of the Degree of Master of Arts in the Department of Criminal Justice, University of Zululand, 2008. / The self-report survey study conducted in Mthatha District of Education (Eastern Cape) revealed interesting results pertaining to juvenile delinquency. The study concerns itself with a sample of 451 respondents randomly selected from seven secondary schools. The main aim of this exploratory study was to uncover the root causes of juvenile delinquency in the most rural and semi-urban areas of the Eastern Cape. The survey was carried out through a pre-coded questionnaire, administered to Grade 10, 11, and 12 pupils with the assistance of the educators at the identified schools during spare periods in class. It transpires that female (263 or 58.3%) respondents are the most dominant gender group in the sample. Results indicate that they are more or less outnumbering their male counterparts with regard to many cross-correlated delinquent acts, for example dagga smoking, dealing in dagga with the aim of earning extra income, scratching of teachers’ motor car, etc. Considering the age category, a large number of respondents is within the age of 17 years. The statistical results reveal that 114 of the respondents between 16-17 years have written mean things on school desks in the past twelve months. It also transpires that 132 (29.3%) respondents in the same age group have objected once to three times against the disciplinary measures employed by their mothers or significant other people. Furthermore, it is noticeable that the majority of the respondents come from intact families. The study reveals that over half of the respondents indicated that both their parents are economically inactive. It also transpires that the majority of families have three to four and five to six children to care for. Based on the statistic outcome it has been postulated that mothers play a more significant role in the socialisation process. Considering the area of residence it appears that Mqanduli respondents slightly outnumbered Mthatha respondents in most delinquent acts cross-correlated in the study. The statistical results also reveal that 134 Mqanduli respondents compared to 93 Mthatha respondents bought liquor in the past twelve months without the knowledge of their parents.

Submitted in fidfilo]ebI ofthe requirements for the degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY in the Department of Criminal Justice at the University of Zululand, 1994. / The study aims at studying and analyzing juvenile delinquency among secondary school children in Kwa-Zulu and the influence of the family thereupon. Through the use of a self-report survey the study seeks to establish the following - * sex and age differences with regard to juvenile delinquency; * family influence on juvenile delinquency by analyzing differences in family structure, family size and family economics; * the relationship between age, family controls and self-reported delinquency; and * nature and extent of juvenile delinquency through self-report data thereby bridging the gap between what is officially known and otherwise hidden forms of delinquency. Research techniques employed in the study include the following:-* * Literature study through which approaches to juvenile delinquency by other researchers were reviewed. * A self administered questionnaire consisting of personal particulars, family data and a delinquency check-list. * Sampling techniques through which three secondary schools and 560 respondents were selected. * Statistical techniques to test reliabi1ity of the measurement instrument and thirteen formulated hypothesis. The findings of the study indicate the following:- (a) Significant differences between male and female respondents with reference to self-reported delinquency. (b) Insignificant differences among age-group categories and delinquency; but positive relationship between age and juvenile delinquency. (c) Insignificant differences between family structure, family size, parental economic activities and juvenile delinquency. (d) Significant differences in the application of family controls in respect of male and female respondents and those from intact and broken families. This is, however, not the case with age-groups, family sizes and mother's economic activity. (e) The hypothesis relating to the relationship between family control and delinquency, in respect of family religiousness and parental discipline is supported. However a partial support with regard to parental supervision and affection is observed. The following recommendations are put forward:- (a) The family as a primary socialization unit be empowered by removing all factors that may contribute to family tensions, for example, unemployment and other related social pathologies. (b) The school is a secondary socialization agent, be revitalized. This can be achieved by means of upgrading the curricula and encouragement of close cooperation between the parents and the teachers. (c) The church and recreational facilities be used to improve the welfare of Black families by linking leisure activities to the youths' interests. The study succeeds in revealing the existence of "hidden" delinquency among Black secondary school children and important relationships between family and juvenile delinquency. / University of Zululand

No description available.

Thesis (Ed.D.)--Boston University.

A considerable mass of knowledge about the ethology, prevention and treatment of juvenile delinquency has given rise to a variety of treatment programmes over the two decades since 1960. These treatment approaches range from the community-oriented, non-restrictive methods to the strict incarceration of juvenile offenders. Rather than having solved the problems relating to the treatment of delinquents, the knowledge and efforts have created more questions than answers as to what the best approaches should be. In spite of all the efforts by correctional institutions to "reform" the young people placed in their care, Wilson (1975) states that these institutions are not effective in reducing. Whatever else they may accomplish The treatment success rate, usually based only on recidivism statistics, shows a steady decline to below thirty per cent in some American programmes (Lipton 1975). Dinitz et al (1980) found the effectiveness of correctional programmes to be "ineffective at best and devastatingly negative at v:orst" ( p149).

The aim of this study was to identify the needs of participants in the Khulisa Diversion Programme. It evaluated the outcomes and impacts of this programme. The researcher set out to determine and explore whether the programme is meeting the needs of its participants. These children have been referred to it by juvenile courts, schools and parents for committing minor crimes that do not require the criminal justice system. The needs identified were based on Maslow’s theory of hierarchy of needs. This research study uses a qualitative research approach. A questionnaire was administered to the participants and a focus group interview was conducted with the group after the main themes were identified from an analysis of the completed questionnaires. Central themes that emerged related mainly to participants’ unique understanding of their needs as related to the delinquent acts committed. The interview was transcribed and analyzed and the data obtained were documented and recommendations were submitted to Khulisa on how the Diversion Programme could be improved by meeting the needs of its participants. The results indicated that Khulisa has developed an intervention programme that is meeting the needs of these young children, provides them with the opportunity to reflect on their wrong behaviours and aims to help them correct their behaviours in future. In particular, the children who participated in this study seemed to have developed an insight into their behaviors and to have realized the importance of accountability and being responsible for their behavior. iv. The study also highlighted numerous research and methodological difficulties inherent in this study. These problems, and recommendations for future studies, are discussed. The study, while limited, provides initial support for the continued use of the Khulisa Diversion Programme when dealing with juveniles who can be diverted from the criminal justice system.