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Challenges experienced by probation officers working with children in conflict with the law in the Johannesburg Metro Region (South Africa)

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  • Sibisi, Muntuwenkosi
  • Warria, Ajwang'

Abstract

South African legislation has mandated new roles and responsibilities for probation officers working with children in conflict with the law. These children who engage in criminal behaviour have been used or coerced by adults and sometimes by peers. In addition, sometimes the children commit crimes out of their own agency based on rewards gained. The crimes they commit range from petty crime such as begging, vagrancy, substance use to serious offences such as murder, rape and robbery. This was a qualitative study on the experiences of probation officers working with these children. The findings reveal that the environments in which the probation officers work under are often traumatic, lack resources and are few thus impacting efficient delivery of services. In addition, the implementation of the Child Justice Act (CJA) is hampered by abuse of the system by parents/caregivers and the child offenders. In as much as South Africa has made strides in protecting children in conflict with the law, these challenges should be addressed urgently in order for the successful implementation of the legislation, for children to be better protected and ultimately for safer communities.

Suggested Citation

  • Sibisi, Muntuwenkosi & Warria, Ajwang', 2020. "Challenges experienced by probation officers working with children in conflict with the law in the Johannesburg Metro Region (South Africa)," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 113(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:113:y:2020:i:c:s0190740919313532
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2020.104949
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Breetzke, Gregory Dennis, 2010. "Modeling violent crime rates: A test of social disorganization in the city of Tshwane, South Africa," Journal of Criminal Justice, Elsevier, vol. 38(4), pages 446-452, July.
    2. O'Neill, Sue C. & Strnadová, Iva & Cumming, Therese M., 2017. "Systems barriers to community re-entry for incarcerated youths: A review," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 79(C), pages 29-36.
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