Multi-disciplinary practice guidelines for the management of youth sex offenders through residential diversion within a restorative justice approach in South Africa

Gxubane, Thulane

Multi-disciplinary practice guidelines for the management of youth sex offenders through residential diversion within a restorative justice approach in South Africa

Journal Article

2015

Journal Title

Restorative Justice: An International Journal

Link to Journal

http://www.tandfonline.com/toc/rrej20/current

Publisher

Routledge Taylor &Francis group

Publisher

University of Cape Town

Department

Department of Social Development

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Series

Restorative Justice: An International Journal Vol 3, Issue 1

Abstract

This article is based on a study which explored the use of residential diversion within a restorative justice framework in the management of youth sex offenders in South Africa. The research design of the study 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. The article highlights a number of potential benefits and challenges that could be anticipated in the application of restorative justice within a residential option of diversion. Practice guidelines are offered which will hopefully help to clarify the roles and responsibilities of the different professionals, paraprofessionals and the community in promoting good practice in the study focus area.