The perception of probation officers on factors contributing to recidivism among children in conflict with the law, post diversion

Abstract

South Africa (SA) is one of the countries with a high rate of recidivism among children in conflict with the law. Criminologists and social work researchers have long been interested in developing effective interventions for these children, known as "diversion programmes," with the aim of making a positive impact on their lives. The goal of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of the factors that contribute to recidivism among children in conflict with the law after participating in diversion programmes. To achieve this, face-to-face interviews were conducted with probation officers who were selected through purposive sampling. The study employed exploratory, contextual, descriptive, and phenomenological research designs, following the stages outlined by Creswell (2014:198) for data analysis. The data collected using a semi-structured interview guide was analyzed using Tesch's framework for thematic analysis. Ethical requirements such as informed consent, confidentiality, anonymity, voluntary participation, and the avoidance of harm were adhered to throughout the study. This study aimed to fill a literature gap in order to comprehensively understand recidivism and its contributing variables. The study revealed numerous factors that contributed to recidivism of children in conflict with the law, post diversion. It further revealed numerous challenges that probation officers are confronted with when rendering diversion programme on a daily basis. The study recommends that parents and caregivers must actively participate in the facilitation of diversion programmes in order to have positive impact of diversion services. The supervision of probation officers must be improved. Aftercare and social re integration have to be rendered to all the children who would have completed diversion programmes. The study further recommends that parents must attend parenting skills programmes where necessary.