Diverting Juvenile Offenders Away from Courts in South Africa
In response to prison overcrowding and the negative impact of incarceration on young offenders, PF South Africa launched a juvenile diversion project known as The Fig Tree Project. Targeting first-time, non-violent offenders and students in danger of expulsion from secondary school (grades 8-12), the Fig Tree Project offers a community alternative to incarceration.
It seeks to:
- reintegrate participants into the education system or initiate their entrance into the workforce
- assist participants to develop socially acceptable behaviour and become law abiding citizens by developing positive norms
- redirect participants’ energies into constructive and legitimate channels
- enhance participants’ personal development through strengthening the community support network.
PF South Africa accepts referrals of at-risk young people from the judiciary and the school system. The 12-month programme consists of eight intertwined steps that address the various needs of the juveniles. These steps include:
- Step 1: An intervention plan is developed for each participant based on a needs assessment. The intervention plan identifies strategic partners in different areas such as substance abuse and psychology.
- Step 2: Classes of 25 students go through an orientation meeting with their parents. After the orientation, the class attends a four week course known as ‘Fig Tree Roots’ covering the topics of transformation, restoration, reconciliation, and development of potential.
- Step 3: Support groups are formed around each participant and encourage positive activities such as community service, academic development, and social events.
- Step 4: Participants attend a substance abuse course developed by the Correctional Services.
- Step 5: The young people participate in skill development and rehabilitation courses including pottery, sewing and drama/art.
- Step 6: Participants go through a reconciliation course focusing on restorative actions and activities that make restitution.
- Step 7: Participants are encouraged to enrol in courses offered by other community organisations and undertake community service activities.
- Step 8: After 12 months, the juvenile undergoes a final assessment with a final report submitted to the referral source. The young person is encouraged to continue attending monthly support group sessions and share what he/she has learned through the process.
When a young person is referred into the Fig Tree Project, his/her parents are asked to commit to supporting the juvenile with PF South Africa providing guidelines for doing so. At the same time, the ministry offers services to parents to help develop parenting skills and provide a forum for discussing the various problems that they face.
Launched in 2008, the pilot phase of The Fig Tree Project is working with 78 young people aged 14 to 18 and referred from three secondary schools in Zamdela, Sasolburg. The response from both the judiciary and school administrators has been so positive that PF South Africa is exploring full implementation of the programme before terminating the pilot project. A similar programme known as the Potters House is also being planned for the Pretoria area.
April 2009
