A therapeutic programme for parents of youth offenders

Abstract

This study highlighted the distinction between retributive and restorative justice. Diversion

and the Journey as a diversion option for youth in South Africa was discussed. Literature indicated that certain family aspects such as family cohesiveness, communication, discipline, and conflict in the home could lead to youth offending. Interviews, focus groups, and questionnaires were used to determine possible problematic family interactions as well as parents' needs of a parent programme. It was found that parents experience feelings like anger, disappointment, shock, helplessness, frustration, and humiliation regarding the child's crime. It was established that dealing with parents' feelings, communication, discipline, conflict resolution, and problem solving should be included in the parent programme. An evaluation of the programme was done and the following aspects showed improvement: communication, mother's involvement with the child, understanding and support in the family, youth's independence, affection, family relations, problem solving and the amount of time spent with family.