Abstract
M.A.
Diversion programs were created not only to provide a service to the person in conflict with the law but for society at large. South Africa is faced with a mammoth task of addressing the high crime rate in the country and more importantly to understand the need for these people to commit such crimes.
We cannot work in isolation in addressing this global problem. We need to step back and take a look at the holistic picture before we can even conceptualize the aspects of crime. We are now living in an era where children are no more seen as the innocent, naïve angles that we once thought they were. Current day life experiences have thrown most of them into situations that provide them with no choice but to engage in criminal activities.
This study is intended to look at the effectiveness of the diversion programs provided, namely Nicro’s diversion program so as to analyze whether it addresses the problem of recidivism. This study will attempt to provide a fresh perspective on some of the dynamics that a child in conflict with the law in this country is faced with. The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the diversion program presented by Nicro, Johannesburg. The objectives are as follows: To peruse available literature relevant to the research topic. To collect quantitative data from the assessment reports of the RAR Centres and NICRO. To analyze and present the data in a manner that would allow learning and enhancement of knowledge in terms of children in conflict with the law. The essence of this knowledge would better direct and empower the diversion programs that are provided to children in conflict with the law. To identify the variables that may impact on the success or lack thereof in the diversion program e.g. educational level of offenders, family involvement in the diversion programs and racial classification.