Abstract
Probation officers, like generic social workers, have been and continue to be implementers rather than generators of social policies. Yet, probation officers have an important role to play in transforming the child justice system as they are central to the administration of child justice. This article argues that the Child Justice Bill (B49 of 2002) needs to be aligned with other pieces of legislation and policies that reflect a developmental approach and response to crime. The developmental approach will not only maximise the opportunities for meaningful interventions that could translate into prevention of crime and recidivism among young offenders, but will also have long-term benefits for the young offenders, their victims and society in general.
Highlights
Thulane GxubaneLike generic social workers, have been and continue to be implementers rather than generators of social policies
This article has highlighted the importance of the often-neglected role of a probation officer in policy development
It is argued that it is the probation officer who will help other role-players and policy-makers understand what the probation profession seeks to achieve in its work with child offenders, their victims and their families
Summary
Like generic social workers, have been and continue to be implementers rather than generators of social policies. In this paper the word young is used interchangeably with the word child, referring to any person under 18 (Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996) Within this age group, different pieces of legislation make specific provisions with regard to age restrictions, type of PROBATION OFFICERS AND POLICY DEVELOPMENT. Probation officers offer a wealth of knowledge and insight based on their experience in working with young offenders and their families Such contributions have not been forthcoming in South Africa. By failing to participate in policy development, probation officers are missing a valuable opportunity to positively influence other roleplayers and policy-makers They are playing no part in decisions that closely affect them as social workers. It is suggested that this situation can be addressed by increasing the number of probation officers in the NGO and government sectors, and providing them with resources and incentives that will encourage and enable them to contribute to research, advocacy and policy development
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