Challenges faced by the diversion programmes on young offenders

The diversion programmes provide the platform for the young in conflict with the law a chance to improved social behaviour and be responsible in their communities. However, studies, done on the diversion programmes, focused on factors influencing crime and rates of recidivism of the juveniles. This paper explores the challenges, faced by the diversion programmes on young offenders in East London (Eastern Cape Province), South Africa. The study adopted a qualitative research approach and a case study research design to answer the objective of the study. Twenty-five (25) participants took part in the study and were selected purposively. Semi-structured and unstructured interview guides were employed to collect data from the participants. Two themes were identified and the themes identified were the types of diversion programmes, provided to young offenders, and the challenges, faced by the diversion programmes on offenders. It was found that the wilderness therapy, community outreach programme, substance abuse, life skills and community pre-trial programmes were the types of diversion programmes, offered to young offenders. The various types of programmes help offenders to gain insight into what triggers them to commit crimes and teaches them how to avoid re-offending. Also, challenges, such as the lack of transport, psychological issues, shunning relationships and high caseloads, plague the programmes. The challenges hinder the quantity and quality of services, provided to offenders. Also, it leads to poor relationships and communication between the offenders and the community. The study concludes the challenges prevented the young offenders to be empowered and change their behaviours for the better. It is recommended that the government and other stakeholders in the diversion programmes should design and implement legal and policy frameworks, which could improve the effectiveness of the programmes