Developing Young People's Potential

Diversion for Young Offenders and Youth Development

The NICRO diversion programme was born in the early 1990's as a response to the vast numbers of young people caught up in the criminal justice system. Diversion is offered as an alternative way of dealing with young people's offending behavious - the young person is diverted away from the criminal justice system into a programme that makes him or her accountable for their actions. Recently the highly successful work with young people has been expanded to include youth at risk. In the first longitudinal study on the success of diversion it was found that only 6.3% of young people re-offended in the first year after completion of the pogramme.

Do you need help or know of someone who does?

NICRO Diversion Programmes are for young people in conflict with the law, with most participants being referred by a prosecutor. The case is withdrawn on condition that the young person completes the diversion programme. The programme:

• develop young people's potential
• make young offenders accountable for their actions
• encourage them to heal the damage they have caused
• make them commit their free time to learning a new way of life
• assist participants to map a constructive and healthy life with the assistance of those closest to them

Most participants are between 14 and 18, although some are older or younger

A special programme is drawn up for each participant and usually includes one or more of the following:

• The Youth Empowerment Scheme
• Pre-trial Community Service
• The Journey
• A Family Group Conference
  

1.Youth Empowerment Scheme (YES)

YES is a life-skills training programme that usually runs for six to eight sessions and assists the participants to take stock of their lives. It puts a brake on "going off the rails". Parents or guardians are invited to participate and are encouraged to support the progress of the participants.

2.Pre-trial Community Service

"Diversion has increased the court's options of dealing with first offenders and setting them straight before they get involved in more serious crime" Magistrate

The Pre-trial Community Service Programme arranges that the young person concerned commits himself or herself to serving the community for a recommended number of hours instead of going to court. Pre-trial Community Service is often used in conjunction with other programmes. NICRO staff place young people in suitable community service settings, depending on their skills and where they are needed most. On completion of the service, the charge is withdrawn.

3.Family Group Conferences

Family Group Conferences offer an opportunity to mediate between those affected by crime. The Conference brings together the young offenders, their families and victims of crime to discuss what went wrong, how it can be repaired and what can be done to put things right.

A contract spelling out the agreement about how the damage can be repaired, and a plan of action, is signed. The prosecutor is informed once all the goals have been reached. This is a highly successful way of young people understanding the impact of their actions, and the power they have to put things right. The Conference provides healing for all concerned. It is restorative justice in action.

4.The Journey

The Journey is a two to three month intensive programme for youth at risk. It has a strong adventure component - which confronts the young person's actions. The Journey encourages self-expression, commitment, accountability and a sense of community. It is aimed at the more serious offenders and multiple offenders, and early school leavers. Community mentors support the participants through the challenging process that they commit to when they start the Journey. An individual plan is put in place for each participant for a constructive future.

Other services:

"The Family Group Conference made me feel that my rights as the victim were respected. What I had to say about the incident was taken seriously" Victim of crime

I'm Cool Like That

NICRO is piloting a crime prevention programme in schools.

Training of Criminal Justice Personnel

NICRO trains people who work with youth, especially those in the criminal justice system and those who offer diversion services.

The NICRO Juta Write for a Safer South Africa Project

A competition is run each year to solicit young people's opinions about making South Africa safer

Can You Help?

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NICRO needs help to work with young people in conflict with the law. You could:

• Approach NICRO to become a mentor
• Train to facilitate the YES programme
• Donate equipment for the Journey
• Provide a place where young people can serve their pre-trial community service hours
• Train to become a mediator in Family Group Conferences
• Donate equipment
• Offer financial support, big or small, to assist young people

Contact your nearest NICRO office to get help or to offer help.