Abstract
M.Ed.
The aim of this research study is to analyze the Youth Empowerment Scheme critically,
within the requirements of reformative justice. The study is motivated by the fact that
crime in South Africa is on the increase. Most offenders are between the ages of 16- and
20 years. An effective rehabilitation program for first time youth offenders as part of
diversion is critical to prevent further crime by these offenders. The Youth Empowerment
Scheme is a program currently run by the National Institute for Crime Intervention and
the Reintegration of Offenders in an attempt to prevent a criminal record and further
crime.
The researcher compared the current retributive justice system with the proposed
reformative justice system to identify the implications of these justice systems for the
youth offender. The principles of the reformative justice system and the Youth
Empowerment Scheme were analyzed to formulate criteria to improve the reformative
potential of the program.
In the achievement of the above-mentioned study goal, the researcher applied the
techniques of qualitative research and specifically used the Youth Empowerment Scheme
as a case study according to this paradigm. The data was gathered through a variety of
techniques (questionares, literature review, observation, field notes and an interview)
which enhanced the viability and reliability of the study through triangulation.
The researcher attended the Youth Empowerment Scheme, which gave her the
opportunity to explore and describe the program within its natural context. Further data
was gained through questionares completed by the youth offenders and an interview with
their parents/guardians. From the data certain themes were identified that highlighted
aspects of the Youth Empowerment Scheme that should be changed to ensure a more
effective rehabilitation program. These themes led to the formulation of guidelines to
improve the Youth Empowerment Scheme. The formulated guidelines focus on the following aspects:
The facilitators of the program.
The social context and potential of the youth offenders.
The content of the program.
The group size of the program.
The duration of the program.
Participation of the parents/guardians.
Principles of reformative justice.
Protection of the youth offender, by law.
The limitations of the study and the role of the Educational Psychologist were discussed.
The researcher also proposes that this study presents a lot of other research opportunities.