Assessing the Impact of Diversion Programmes on Young Offenders in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

Abstract

Diversion programmes have been found to be effective mechanisms to reduce crime and change the behaviours of youth globally and in South Africa. However, studies done on diversion programmes have focused more on factors influencing crime, rates of recidivism and treatment of the offenders. This paper thus explored the impact of diversion programmes on young offenders in the Eastern Cape Province. The paper used a qualitative research approach, and 30 participants took part. An interview guide was employed to collect data from the participants and analysed thematically. Key themes identified are the types of diversion programmes and the different ways the diversion programmes influence the offenders. It was revealed that life skills, wilderness therapy and community pre-trial programmes were the types of diversion programmes offered to offenders. The programmes provided the opportunity for offenders to obtain decision-making skills and rational thinking which enabled them to manage their own lives. The study concluded that the programmes have helped empower and change the behaviours of the offenders for the better. However, the offenders were plagued with challenges such as the lack of money for transport and food which hindered empowerment. It is therefore recommended that the government and other stakeholders should ensure that parents and community members continue to support offenders as this could lead to a change of behaviour for the better. This study will contribute to a deeper understanding of empowering and changing the behaviours of offenders.

Keywords

• diversion programmes
• empowerment
• crimes
• skills
• young offenders