Factors affecting the effectiveness of diversion programmes for children in conflict with the law

Abstract

The main objective of this qualitative study was to investigate the factors that affect the effectiveness of diversion programmes for children in conflict with the law. Data were generated from in-depth semi-structured interviews that were conducted with probation officers. Data were analysed using Tesch's framework for thematic analysis. Exploratory, contextual and phenomenological research designs were employed to analyse the data collected. The study complied with standard ethical principles such as informed consent, confidentiality, anonymity, voluntary participation and avoidance of harm. The findings revealed that peer pressure and substance abuse, lack of family support, poor parenting, lack of after-care services, poverty and school dropout were the factors that had an impact on the effectiveness of diversion programmes. The study recommends that parents and caregivers must actively participate in the facilitation of diversion programmes in order for them to have a positive impact on diversion services. After-care and social reintegration have to be arranged for all the children who completed diversion programmes. The study further recommends that parents must attend parenting skills programmes where necessary. The supervision of probation officers must be improved.