An evaluation of the effectiveness of diversion programmes in the rehabilitaion of the youth and the promotion of juvenile justice in South Africa

Abstract

An effective juvenile justice system aims to enable the young offender to become a capable and productive responsible citizen while at the same holding the young offender accountable. The unending juvenile delinquency leaves a lot to be desired in terms of these special programmes. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of diversion programmes in the rehabilitation of the youth and promotion of juvenile justice in South Africa. The study was qualitative in nature with in-depth interviews. Narrative analysis was used to analyse the data. The study comprised of 18 participants. The study revealed that some young people continue to display antisocial behaviour even after being exposed to diversion programmes. Follow-up services and tracking of the young people during their reintegration back into their communities would discourage them from sliding back into anti-social behaviour.

Keywords: Juvenile delinquent, juvenile justice system, diversion programmes, rehabilitation, restorative justice