Thesis (M.A. (Social Work)) -- University Of Lmpopo, 2022 / The study concentrated on factors that hinder the utilisation of intermediary social
work support services to alleged child offenders in Mopani District. The study aimed
to assess knowledge from probation officers in respect of awareness, utilisation and
effectiveness of referral to intermediary services, as well as the level at which they
can refer alleged child offenders to an intermediary. The study employed the
qualitative research design. The Integrated Service model was employed to
understand the utilisation of intermediary social work support services to alleged
child offenders. Purposive sampling was used to obtain nine participants who were
probation officers. Ethical clearance was obtained from the University of Limpopo
and gatekeepers approval from the Department of Social Development. Participation
was voluntary and no one was forced to participate. The findings of the study
revealed that there are no clear guidelines or legislation for probation officers to
guide them on how and when to recommend the alleged child offenders to the
intermediary services. The study also revealed that section 158(2) of the Criminal
Procedure Act 51 of 1977 is not effective to alleged child offenders but rather is used
to child victims.
Therefore, probation officers must have understanding of the role of an intermediary,
process and referral when conducting assessments. As a result, the study
recommends that the probation officers should come to the developmental level of
the child, speak the language of the child and follow up assessment interviews as
opposed to informed allegation interviews. However, training is also recommended
to all probation officers about the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977 and
amendments of the Child Justice Act 75 of 2008 with the inclusion of intermediary
services to alleged child offenders
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:ul/oai:ulspace.ul.ac.za:10386/4243 |
| Date | January 2022 |
| Creators | Makwala, Kelebogile Precious |
| Contributors | Mahlatjie, T. M. A., Sithole, S. L. |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | x, 100 leaves |
| Relation |
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