Abstract
M.A. (Social Work)
This study analyses the aims and objectives in probation service
programmes and those formulated for probation services within
more comprehensive social welfare programmes.
Probation services refer to all the social work services aimed
at preventing crime and promoting the social welfare and
functioning of the offender, his dependants and the victims of
crime. A programme refers to a group of interdependent activities that
focuses on achieving objectives or a set of objectives.
An aim refers to, a statement that describes the long-term goal
of a programme. refers to an operational
describes in specific, what goals or results the
a certain period of time.
An objective, on the other hand,
statement in a programme which
observable and measurable terms
programme plans to achieve within
Measured against these definitions, the problem statement was
formulated that the aims and objectives of probation service
programmes would not meet the required standards. The point of
departure was that programme formulators give inadequate
attention to the components of aims and objectives. Furthermore,
the general types of formulated aims and objectives were
determined, as well as the preferred levels of objectives.
The research included a study of the literature and archival
sources and the completion of questionnaires in order to
undertake an empirical investigation in which aims and objectives
were evaluated and a model was drawn up for them. It is stressed
that the history of probation services in the Republic of South
Africa; the policy as it is laid down in the various Acts,
particularly; and the formulated probation service programmes