An investigation into the experiential world of children awaiting trail at Dyambu Youth Centre

Abstract

This 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.