Browsing by Author "Graser, Roland"
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- ItemOpen AccessAbuse suffered by selected elderly persons prior to admission to an old age home(2002) Mashamba, Iris; Graser, RolandElder abuse is one of the major problems in South Africa. Elderly people are being abused by their family members, children and members of their communities This problem remains hidden in that most cases are not reported to the officials, and if they are reported, officials are doing little or nothing about them. Although the communities are trying to address the issue, due to underreporting it is very difficult to determine the actual number of the elderly who are being abused daily . Traditionally, the young generation is expected to respect their elderly people, whether they know them or not. However, nowadays it appears that little respect is shown to the elderly. Instead they are often being financially robbed, physically attacked, sexually abused and emotionally threatened. As a result they move to old age institutions or places of safety for safety and security. This paper focuses on those elderly who suffered abuse in their families and communities. The study is conducted in an institution for the elderly. The abused elderly are encouraged to talk about what happened to them and who their abusers are, with the aim of finding out what brought them into an institution. The findings of this research were obtained through focus group and in-depth individual interviews. Access to the institution was given at St. Monica's Home and seven elderly persons, which is 50% of the residents, were interviewed. The same persons participated in both the in-depth individual and focus group interviews as a form of primary data collection. Information was elicited in the form of a focus group discussion and interviews with individuals. The results of this paper indicate that: a) Family and community members are sometimes guilty of abusing the elderly. b) Elderly persons have lost trust in reporting their problems to officials, especially the police. c) The elderly prefer to be at the institution than to be at home, where they were abused by their 'loved' ones. d) Society has, to a large extent, lost traditional and cultural values in respect of caring for the elderly. e) There is a lack of knowledge among people regarding resources that could assist elderly people with their problems. The research results show that there are elderly persons who move to institutions for the aged for safety and security, not because they prefer living there. However, one cannot generalize the findings of the study, as it covered only a small number of persons, and is, therefore, not representative of the elderly in general. The study focused on one institution with a limited population, as it had fourteen elderly people.
- ItemOpen AccessThe Cape Town juvenile assessment centre and the transformation of the youth justice system(2003) Cowley, Denzil; Graser, RolandThe Inter-Ministerial Committee on Young People at Risk (IMC) undertook a comprehensive analysis of the Child and Youth Care system, including the Juvenile Justice system in South Africa and made recommendations for transformation thereof. Various transformation initiatives in the Child and Youth Care System stimulated the researcher's interest in the progress of the implementation of transformation policies. In particular the policies related to the Juvenile Justice system at the Cape Town Juvenile Justice Assessment Centre were of interest to the researcher. Services and legislation governing youth in conflict with the law was fragmented. New legislation was needed that incorporated national and international instruments to protect the rights of children and to regulate the juvenile justice system. Since the establishment of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Young People at Risk (IMC) in 1996, various documents, policies, discussion papers and draft legislation have been published. The aim of this study is to determine to what extent the recommendations in these various documents have been implemented at the Cape Town Juvenile Assessment Centre. The aim of the Cape Town Juvenile Assessment Centre is to assess all youth in conflict with the law in the magisterial district and, where possible, to divert the case away from the justice system. From the findings of the study it is clear that the Cape Town Juvenile Assessment Centre has progressed far on the continuum of implementing the transformation policies. The probation officers in particular had excellent insight into the transformation process and the implementation of practice principles. It was also clear that every effort was made to make services child and family centred. Diversion options are implemented where possible and detention of juveniles in prisons was reduced drastically. The Cape Town Juvenile Assessment Centre has good relationships with other role-players. Services are co-ordinated through a monthly co-ordination meeting, where role-players like the Departments of Social Services, Justice, South African Police Services and NICRO are represented. In summary, the Cape Town Juvenile Justice Assessment Centre has made commendable progress in implementing policy recommendations and policy related to the transformation of the juvenile justice system. There is, however, room for improvement, particularly with the after-hour assessments. Delegating decision-making powers to all prosecutors will streamline the diversion process. Diversion options for second- or third-time offenders should be developed. Furthermore, not enough support is given to youth in conflict with the law and their families in that very few of them are referred to welfare organisations for continued services.
- ItemOpen AccessAn employment project towards the reintegration of ex-prisoners(2001) Solomon, Soraya; Graser, RolandThe main aim of the study is to explore the role of employment in the reintegration process of ex-prisoners. The study seeks to explore the views of ex-prisoners and their employers, with regard to employment and reintegration. A secondary aim emerged as a result of the outcome of interviews conducted with the research respondents, and centred on determining how ex-prisoners are managed as employees.
- ItemOpen AccessAn evaluation of the Cape Town Drug Counselling Centre's treatment programme(2001) Coetzee, Paul; Graser, RolandThe goal of the study is to evaluate the treatment programme of the Cape Town Drug Counselling Centre. Overall the evaluation reflects a positive picture of the services offered by the Centre. The study commenced in January 2000. Respondent acquisition commenced on the 1st April 2000 and was completed 31st December 2000. All clients that were assessed during this period formed the study population. The sample was selected from the population using convenience sampling. Three follow-up interview schedules were conducted at six weeks, three months and six months post assessment. This study was explorative in nature and has shown the treatment programme offered by the CTDCC to be effective in terms of abstinence. Respondents favoured longer attendance in the treatment programme. The treatment option combination of individual therapy, motivational groups, and aromatherapy treatment sessions produced the highest rate of respondents who were abstinent at six months post assessment. The relationship between treatment and its effect on drug related criminal activity was briefly investigated. Also investigated were additional measures of treatment efficacy; and the relationship between treatment and shifts in the respondents employment status over the period of the study. Conclusions and recommendations affecting the treatment programme were made. The goal of the study, that is, to evaluate the treatment programme, was achieved satisfactorily.
- ItemOpen AccessAn evaluation of the functions of the assistant probation officer as a new occupational category in probation practice(2002) Carloo, Ruwayda; Graser, RolandThe main aim of this study is to evaluate the functions of the assistant probation officer as a new occupational category in probation practice. The study also explores the knowledge and insight of the functions of assistant probation officers on the part of related role players, namely, probation officers (including the supervisors of assistant probation officers), magistrates, prosecutors, officials of the South African Police Service and the recipients of the service viz. school principals, teachers, youth, parents as well as community leaders in a deep rural area. The primary respondents comprised of all the assistant probation officers involved in the pilot project as well as their supervisors. The sampling method was used for the related role players and recipients of the service. The researcher used mainly a qualitative approach that included questionnaires and interview schedules. The questionnaires were independently completed by the assistant probation officers and the interview schedules were completed by means of face-to-face interviews with related role-players. Open*ended interviews were held during on-site evaluation visits to projects with the selected sample of recipients of the service. This research can also be regarded as an exploratory study as it explores and evaluates an unknown area in order to gain new insights. The process of triangulation was applied due to the variety of data collection methods. The study found that there was an absolute necessity for the services and the sustainability thereof by assistant probation officers, and of the ultimate incorporation of this occupational category into probation practice. The findings also indicated a lack of knowledge and insight on the part of justice and police officials regarding the functions of assistant probation officers as well as the importance of structured training and the provision of the basic resources for assistant probation officers to function adequately. Therefore a holistic approach to the incorporation of this service into probation practice is required by the Department of Social Development to address the findings of this study.
- ItemOpen AccessExploration of residential diversion within a restorative justice framework in the management of young sex offenders in SA(2012) Gxubane, Eric Thulane; Cooper, David; Graser, RolandThe study explored the use of residential diversion within a restorative justice framework in the management of youth sex offenders in South Africa. The research design combined qualitative and quantitative approaches with a predominantly qualitative thrust in the gathering, analysis and presentation of data. A non-probability purposive sampling method was adopted with three sets of samples, namely, youth ex-sex offenders, their significant others, and key informants from various professions who were involved in the management of youth ex-sex offenders and/or their victims in a variety of settings. Three semi-structured interview schedules were developed in advance and used as tools for data collection through in-depth face-to-face interviews with each research respondent.
- ItemOpen AccessExploring expressions of abandonment and rejection that emerged from group therapy with fibromyalgia patients(2003) Van der Walt, Ria; Graser, RolandFibromyalgia is a complex syndrome of diffuse pain associated with non-restorative sleep, fatigue, numerous tender points, depression and other conditions that often does not respond well to treatment posing a dilemma to health professionals. The aim of this study was to explore expressions of abandonment and rejection that emerged from group therapy with eleven fibromyalgia patients at the former Princess Alice Orthopaedic Hospital, Cape Town. It focused on abandonment/rejection by caregivers during childhood, death as a form of abandonment, abandonment/rejection in adulthood by family, spouse and family-in-law, by friends, colleagues and employers, by government and society, the hospital and doctors, and by fellow group members and the facilitator. The study is exploratory, interpretative and explanatory in nature with a purposive non-probability sample. The qualitative research method was used to gain insight into the subjective experiences of the lives and illness of the participants. The method of data collection was mainly the tape recorded and transcribed words of the participants over thirty-three group therapy sessions in eleven months and observations by the researcher as full participant observer. The data was sorted and analysed into emerging themes, patterns and categories. All participants had had repetitive experiences of abandonment/rejection, which they had denied, suppressed and avoided, as it was too painful. Due to a lack of inner and external resources, or any intervention, feelings of abandonment, fear and anger were internalized as an unresolved reservoir of emotional pain. This seemed to have escalated into an eventual expression of physical pain (somatisation). From the findings of this study, there appears to be a relationship between adverse psychosocial factors and stress, particularly experiences of abandonment/rejection and fibromyalgia. However, due to the qualitative nature and small sample, the findings cannot be extrapolated and generalized to the broader population of fibromyalgia patients, and quantitative studies are needed for verification.
- ItemOpen AccessThe implementation of restorative justice by magistrates, prosecutors and probation officers in sentencing of young offenders at selected district magistrate courts in the Western Cape(2006) Gantana, Katrina; Graser, RolandThe qualitative study was conducted, within the judicial and social welfare system. Using convenience sampling (non-probability), magistrates, prosecutors and probation officers were specifically targeted to ascertain to what extend participants were currently implementing the approach of restorative justice in the sentencing of young offenders. Data was collected from charge sheets with regard to sentence remarks and the type of crime committed, and served as proof of implementation of such an approach. The study also explores the knowledge of these three professional groups with regard to restorative justice and their attitudes towards its implementation.
- ItemOpen AccessThe implementation of restorative justice in the sentencing of young offenders in the Northern Cape(2006) Moorcroft, Elise; Graser, RolandThe aim of this study is to explore the attitudes of magistrates, prosecutors and probation officers to the implementation of restorative justice in the sentencing of young offenders. The study also explores the knowledge of the magistrates, prosecutors and probation officers about the implementation of restorative justice in the sentencing of young offenders. Lastly, it strives to investigate to what extent judicial officials and probation officers are implementing restorative justive in their sentencing practices.
- ItemOpen AccessAn investigation into the experiential world of children awaiting trail at Dyambu Youth Centre(2002) Makoko, Thandi; Graser, RolandThis study investigates the children's experiences whilst awaiting trial at Dyambu Youth Centre. DYC is the largest Youth Development Centre in the country, which serves involuntary clients. A qualitative research method was used to investigate whether the children in the centre do experience change, or does change come about as a result of other factors? Does staff succeed in transferring their skills and motivation to these children? Do the children feel they belong to DYC whilst awaiting trial? Seeing that a whole range of issues needed to be explored and investigated, interview schedules and focus groups were administered and the children's views about DYC had to be investigated from themselves, their parents, staff, volunteers and probation officers at court, who were responsible for their admission at DYC.
- ItemOpen AccessA new approach to child justice? : exploring challenges and opportunities for restorative justice in the Western Cape from the perspectives of victims and perpetrators of youth crime(2005) Shearer, Ashley Fritha; Graser, RolandAs restorative justice finds its way into the South Africa's thinking around improving the criminal justice system, there is little knowledge as to whether the key role players in a restorative justice approach, the victims and perpetrators, would find it desirable or feasible. Concerns around the appropriateness of restorative justice from the perspective of victims and perpetrators were born out of the complex social and historical context in South Africa, which it seemed, could pose challenges to the application of restorative justice. Hence the decision to consult with key role players who have had experience with crime and the existing criminal justice system on how they would perceive the concept of restorative justice as a means of dealing with criminal cases in South Africa. Given that restorstive justice has been proposed specifically for youth at this initial stage, the focus of the research was on criminal cases involving perpetrators below the age of 18 years. Through this process of consultation with victims and perpertrators of youth crime, the hope was to unpack some of the challenges and opportunities for restorative justice in South Africa. (133-139 pages missing).
- ItemOpen AccessPolicy and practice of sentencing male child sexual offenders at Wynberg sexual offences court(2001) Davids, Carlene; Graser, RolandThis study explores the attitudes of the magistrates, prosecutors, and the probation officers at the Sexual Offences Court at Wynberg Magistrates Court regarding the sentencing of male child sexual offenders, as well as the types of sentences passed on sex offenders. A combination of documentary evidence, that is, court files, and qualitative and quantitative research methods was used. The quantitative aspect of the research lies in the aggregation of data collected from the court files. The qualitative dimension of the study is reflected in the interview schedules administered to the judicial officials and probation officers. The research findings indicate that magistrates and prosecutors are well informed about significant legislation that influences the sentencing of sex offenders. It emerged from the findings that the value systems and personal biases of magistrates surface when passing sentences on sex offenders. Lack of training opportunities for all judicial officials and probation officers in addition to a poor prison system with inadequate rehabilitation structures, were regarded as key challenges faced during the sentencing process. In the light of the research findings, recommendations were made to address the inconsistent sentencing practices of magistrates in regard to sexual offenders.
- ItemOpen AccessRecidivism among male trial-awaiting youth detained at Dyambu Youth Centre(2004) Gxubane, Eric Thulane; Graser, RolandThe study investigates the problem of recidivism amongst male trial-awaiting youth detained at Bosasa's Dyambu Youth Centre (DYC), to determine whether their experiences with the variables under investigation have in any way influenced them to consider changes in their attitudes towards criminal behaviour. The research design in this study followed both quantitative and qualitative methodological orientations .An interview schedule was constructed in advance and applied in a standardised manner and was administered by the researcher, face to face with each respondent. Data were analysed and presented both quantitatively and qualitatively. Findings in this study revealed that financial gain, drug addiction and peer pressure were the major driving forces and motivating factors that influenced the respondents to become repeatedly involved in criminal behaviour. Lack of a stable source of income, denial of re-admission at school, rejection by family and friends and lack of stable home and accommodation were some of the major factors that made reintegration into the community difficult for the respondents during the period after their previous release. The findings in this study point to inadequacy of services with regard to prevention of crime and recidivism amongst juvenile offenders. Re-integration and after-care services were identified as an area that is grossly neglected in the field of probation and in social work services generally. Nearly all the respondents reported that they would like to abandon their criminal lifestyle but the situations that they face and various other factors highlighted in the study drive them to crime. The predominant factors identified by the respondents as influential in encouraging abandonment of criminal activities include: a fear of heavy criminal record, disgracing the family, the acquisition of various skills and knowledge from DYC workshops and classes; and their own individual thinking.
- ItemOpen AccessSentencing of youth offenders for housebreaking with intent to steal : practices and attitudes of magistrates and prosecutors(2002) Hlatshwayo, Cyprian G H; Graser, RolandThe researcher's knowledge and experience in probation work, including conducting pre-sentence investigations and compiling pre-trial and presentence reports, inspired him to want to find out more about the attitudes and sentencing practices of magistrates and public prosecutors, specifically in housebreaking offences. Some individuals and communities hold a notion that offenders normally break into properties and steal goods or items mainly because they are hungry, destitute, unemployed, or have no visible means of income. Such a belief may, to a large extent, influence or shape judicial attitudes in the sentencing of youth offenders for housebreaking crimes.