Masters Degrees (Social Work)
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Browsing Masters Degrees (Social Work) by browse.metadata.advisor "Groenewald, C. J."
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- ItemThe contribution of social work to the prevention of crime by the criminal justice system in the Western Cape(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2001-04) Magobotiti, Chris Derby; Groenewald, C. J.; Green, S.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Social Work.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study deals with crime prevention within the criminal justice system in response to the current crime situation in the Western Cape. It describes the structure and function of the criminal justice system and assesses crime prevention processes with specific reference to the role of social work within the criminal justice system. It further examines the criminal justice system as practised in the Western Cape, paying specific attention to the role of the police, criminal courts and prisons in the prevention of crime. In line with the nature of the study an exploratory approach was used. The data was collected from both primary and secondary sources. Interviews and observations were the main research techniques used for gathering primary data. Secondary data + was gathered by means of a study of the literature. Structured and unstructured interviews were conducted with social workers, magistrates, police officers, prosecutors, victims, offenders, community workers and other officials of the criminal justice system. These interviews were mainly conducted at Wynberg magistrates' court, Drakenstein Prison (formerly known as Victor Verster Prison) and organisations based in the metro areas and on the Cape Flats. The study was conducted over a period of three years with the interview schedule administered between May and August 2000. A sample of 21 respondents was selected on the basis of a purposive approach and procedure. The comprehensive interview schedule consisted of mainly open-ended and a few closed questions, generating information on the profiles of respondents, crime dynamics in the Western Cape, the sentencing process and prevention strategies, matters related to the criminal justice system and corrections, and the role of community justice in the prevention of crime. The generated qualitative data was analysed and interpreted. The findings suggested the necessity for social work to make a contribution to the prevention of crime in a sensitive and proactive way. The analysis has shown that criminal justice approaches can significantly enhance the process of crime prevention, but that the criminal justice system requires combined strategies and approaches for crime prevention to be effective. It is in this context that the contribution of social work can be much more effective. The recommendations of the study have demonstrated a need for social workers to promote approaches that are premised on a broader understanding of the role of the criminal justice system in the prevention of crime. It is important to state that the study's recommendations for the prevention of .crirne can also be implemented by other role-players, particularly within the criminal justice system.