Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Problem youth Services for Australia'

The author developed a model for at-risk youth that outlines processes and incorporates best practices of an equine-facilitated program. The Horse Program Model (HPM) is designed to determine if and how participating in a horse program can help change attitudes, skills and behaviors of at-risk youth.

This thesis locates, examines and interprets the written sources of information guiding how delinquent school-aged young people are viewed in relation to their education in Western Australia. The study involved an examination of texts discussing post industrial socio-historical events and currently policy, practice and research in relation to students who are alienated from school, including those who have criminal histories. An exploration of the discourses assembled around the costruction of Western Australian school-aged offenders as alienated students revealed an ongoing assumption that children and youth from low socio-economic backgrounds are often governed as low school achievers who are less likely to complete compulsory schooling. In the documents examined leaving school early was regularly discussed and linked to unemployment, poverty and criminal activity. This thesis presents an interpretation of the role these discourses have played in the construction of Western Australian school aged offenders as alienated students (Gubrium & Holstein 2000, p.503).

This research focuses on the development, implementation, and evaluation of a youth counselling program with an innovative service delivery model influenced by Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. The Peel Youth Counsellor Program (PYCP) is a promotion, prevention and early intervention program conceived as a result of an identified local need for a specialised program to work alongside mainstream mental health to provide services to youth aged 15 to 25 years. The PYCP began operation in January 2001 and is administered by the Peel Community Mental Health Service although is located fulltime in a community youth centre. The central service provision framework and understanding of youth engagement is based on youth friendly mental health services and Maslow's research into human motivation and its application to service delivery. The research outlines a comprehensive evaluation that was conducted using Austin's (1982) 'Objectives-Orientated' approach that uses a six step process to guide the implementation and analysis of what the program has achieved. The results suggest that the use of a community based youth counselling program adjunct to mainstream mental health, improves opportunities for promotion and prevention, and early (prodrama) intervention with a range of youth health and mental health issues, especially depression and suicide. With this information it is hoped that consideration will be made about current practice as well as the future development of mainstream mental health both giving priority to "youth" as an important entity in service provision.

Thesis (M.A.)--Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, 2003.
Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 45-06, page: 3312. Typescript. Abstract precedes thesis as preliminary leaf iv. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 37-43).

Thesis (M Social Work)--Stellenbosch University, 2013.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Adolescence is a challenging development stage because youths engage in risk-taking behaviour, including anti-social and criminal acts. Factors which contribute to youth becoming involved in crime include having a poor self-concept, being male, the negative behaviour of parents, family dysfunction, low socio-economic status, low literacy levels or being illiterate, peers who exercise a negative influence, and poor role models. Diversion strategies are practised worldwide, including South Africa, to deal with the growing number of youth in conflict with the law. After diversion practice was legalised in South Africa, some challenges have been experienced with implementation. However, the views of social workers are limited regarding diversion practices after the Child Justice Act no 75 of 2008 was introduced. The objective of the study is to gain insights from social workers who facilitate diversion programmes with male juvenile delinquents. In this study, attention was paid to explaining the nature of juvenile delinquency of male adolescents in a South African context; describing diversion programmes in terms of the Child Justice Act no 75 of 2008 to deal with children outside the criminal justice system; discerning the scope, nature and contribution of diversion programmes for the rehabilitation of delinquents; investigating the views of social workers on diversion programmes for male juvenile delinquents; and to make recommendations regarding the facilitation of diversion programmes with male juvenile delinquents. A combination of quantitative and qualitative research approaches were used in the study. The study further assumed an exploratory and descriptive research design due to the limited information available regarding the views of social workers on diversion programmes with male juvenile delinquents. A purposive sampling method was used to select the participants. Data was gathered by means of a structured questionnaire, which was administered during 20 individual interviews. This allowed for a holistic view to be gained of participants' opinions about and insights into the topic. The design of the questionnaire was based on the information obtained from the literature review. The findings of the empirical investigation mainly confirmed the findings of the literature study that males are more vulnerable to juvenile delinquency, that parents and families play substantial roles in the causes of juvenile delinquency and, lastly, that diversion programmes offer much benefit to youth offenders. The most important recommendations resulting from the study indicate that social workers should become more skilled and equipped to facilitate therapeutic groups as this will contribute to the reduction of re-offending. Parental and family involvement in diversion programmes is essential as it will increase the impact on the youth offender. In addition, the recommendations indicate the significance of monitoring and evaluation of diversion programmes, in this way ensuring the proper implementation of the Act. Lastly, it is suggested that more research be done about diversion practices internationally to increase knowledge regarding implementation.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die puberteitsjare is 'n uitdagende ontwikkelingsfase omdat die jeugdige riskante gedrag toon, soos antisosiale optrede en die pleeg van misdaad. Faktore wat bydra tot die jeugdige se betrokkenheid by misdaad is die feit dat hy tot die manlike geslag behoort, 'n lae selfbeeld het, die negatiewe gedrag van ouers, uit 'n gebroke huis kom, aan lae sosioekonomiese status ly, die lae vlak van of geen geletterdheid het nie, vriende wat 'n negatiewe invloed uitoefen, en swak rolmodelle. Afwendingstrategieë word wêreldwyd beoefen, ook in Suid-Afrika, om die toenemende aantal jeugdiges wat met die gereg bots, te help. Nadat afwendingspraktyke in Suid-Afrika gewettig is, is sekere uitdagings in die praktyk ervaar. Min menings is deur maatskaplike werkers geopper oor afwendingspraktyke nadat bepalings ingevolge die Kindergeregtigheidswet nr 75 van 2008 toegepas is. Die doel van die studie is om insigte te verleng van maatskaplike werkers wat afwendingsprogramme met manlike jeugmisdadigers fasiliteer. Aandag is geskenk aan die aard van jeugoortredings deur manlike jeugdiges in Suid-Afrika, beskrywings van afwendingsprogramme wat jeugdiges buite die strafregtelike stelsel behandel ingevolge die Kindergeregtigheidswet nr 75 van 2008, om insigte te win oor die omvang, aard en bydrae van afwendingsprogramme vir manlike jeugoortreders met die oog op rehabilitasie, om die menings en insigte van maatskaplike werkers oor afwendingsprogramme vir manlike jeugoortreders te ondersoek, en om aanbevelings te doen oor die fasilitering van afwendingsprogramme vir sulke oortreders. 'n Kombinasie van kwantitatiewe en kwalitatiewe navorsingsbenaderings is in hierdie studie gevolg. Tydens hierdie ondersoek is ook beide 'n verkennende en beskrywende navorsingsontwerp benut, omdat die literatuur 'n gebrek toon aan die insigte van maatskaplike werkers oor afwendingsprogramme met manlike jeugoortreders. 'n Doelgerigte steekproeftrekking is gebruik om die deelnemers te keur. Gegewens is ingewin deur middel van 'n gestruktureerde vraelys in twintig afsonderlike onderhoude. Sodoende kon 'n geheelbeeld van die deelnemers se menings en insigte aangaande die onderwerp verkry word. Die samestelling van die vraelys is gegrond op inligting wat uit die literatuuroorsig verkry is. Die bevindinge van die ondersoek het grootendeels dié van die literatuuroorsig bevestig, naamlik dat mans meer kwesbaar is vir jeugoortredings, dat ouers en gesinne 'n groot rol speel in die oorsake van jeugoortredings, en dat jeugoortreders baat kan vind by afwendingsprogramme. Die belangrikste aanbevelings voortspruitend uit hierdie studie dui daarop dat maatskaplike werkers meer vaardighede moet opdoen en toegerus moet word om terapeutiese groepe te fasiliteer aangesien dit sal bydra tot die vermindering van die herhaling van die oortreding. Dit is belangrik dat ouers en families betrokke is by afwendingsprogramme omdat dit 'n groter uitwerking op die jeugoortreder sal hê. Die aanbevelings dui ook op die belangrikheid van die monitering en evaluering van afwendingsprogramme om te verseker dat die bepalings ingevolge die Wet korrek toegepas word. Laastens, daar word voorgestel dat meer navorsing oor afwendingspraktyke internasionaal gedoen word om kennis oor die implementering daarvan te verbreed.

This dissertation has explored the origins of the field of Behavioral Disorders via a qualitative approach. In order to collect data, interviews were conducted with respondents who were selected via purposeful sampling. All respondents have had a significant impact on the field of special education as evidenced by scholarship and leadership throughout their careers. Data analysis of the interview transcriptions was accomplished through the utilization of computer software. The data indicated six areas/topics that were seen among respondents as being significant to the development of the field of Behavioral Disorders.

Thesis (M Social Work)--Stellenbosch University, 2015.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Adolescence is the developmental stage between childhood and adulthood. This indicates a growth process the goal of which is maturity. This growth process is regarded as a turbulent phase as there are various adolescent developmental tasks to be mastered that bring about certain challenges. These challenges have resulted in youths engaging in risk-taking behaviour, such as antisocial behaviour and committing crime. Several factors or social problems in South Africa lead to the vulnerability of youths, which leads to crime. The purpose of this study was to investigate the perspectives of probation officers regarding the contribution of diversion programmes for male juvenile offenders to prevent re-offending. The research was done on the basis of an extensive literature review, which focused on the nature and extent of youth crime, the legal points of departure of the Child Justice Act (75 of 2008) and diversion programmes to prevent re-offending. A combined quantitative and qualitative research approach and an exploratory and descriptive research design was utilized in this study because the researcher wanted to develop a better understanding of the social problem or phenomenon and the perspectives of probation officers with respect to the contribution of diversion programmes for male juvenile offenders, as well as the factors that lead to re-offending in South Africa. The respondents consisted of all probation officers employed by government organizations in the Eden-Karoo Region who have the necessary knowledge and experience regarding the topic. A purposive, non-probability sampling was used. Data were gathered through a semi-structured questionnaire in 20 separate interviews. The composition of the questionnaire was based on the information obtained from the literature review. Based on the results arising from the literature and empirical research, appropriate conclusions and recommendations were made. The results were largely confirmed by the literature review, namely that diversion programmes contribute to the prevention of re-offending if correctly implemented, that significant resources in the intervention should be involved and follow-up care and monitoring after the programmes or interventions must take place.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Adolessensie is die ontwikkelingstadium tussen die kinderjare en volwassenheid. Dit dui op ’n groeiproses waarvan die doelwit volwassenheid is. Hierdie groeiproses word beskou as ’n stormagtige fase aangesien die adolessent verskeie ontwikkelingstake moet bemeester wat sekere uitdagings meebring. Die uitdagings het tot gevolg dat die jeugdiges riskante gedrag toon, soos antisosiale optrede en die pleeg van misdaad. Verskeie faktore of maatskaplike probleme in Suid-Afrika lei daartoe dat jeugdiges kwesbaar is en betrokke raak by misdaad. Die doel van hierdie studie is om ondersoek te doen na die sieninge van proefbeamptes rakende die bydrae van afwentelingsprogramme vir manlike jeugoortreders om hermisdaadpleging te voorkom. Die ondersoek is gedoen aan die hand van ’n uitgebreide literatuurstudie, wat gefokus het op die aard en omvang van jeugmisdaad, die wetlike vertrekpunte van die Wet op Kindergeregtigheid (75 van 2008) en afwentelingsprogramme vir die voorkoming van hermisdaadpleging. ’n Gekombineerde kwantitatiewe en kwalitatiewe navorsingsbenadering en ’n verkennende en beskrywende navorsingsontwerp is in hierdie studie benut, omdat die navorser ’n beter begrip wou verkry van die maatskaplike probleem of fenomeen en die sieninge van proefbeamptes met betrekking tot die bydrae van afwentelingsprogramme vir manlike jeugoortreders. Die faktore wat aanleiding gee tot hermisdaadpleging in Suid-Afrika word ook verken. Die universum bestaan uit alle proefbeamptes werksaam by regeringsorganisasies in die Eden-Karoo Streek wat oor die nodige kennis en ervaring van die onderwerp beskik. ʼn Doelbewuste, nie-waarskynlikheid-steekproeftrekking is benut. Gegewens is ingewin deur middel van ’n semi-gestruktureerde vraelys in twintig afsonderlike onderhoude. Die samestelling van die onderhoudskedule is gegrond op die inligting wat uit die literatuuroorsig verkry is. Op grond van die resultate voortspruitend uit die literatuurstudie en empiriese ondersoek, kon toepaslike gevolgtrekkings en aanbevelings gemaak word. Die resultate het grotendeels die literatuuroorsig bevestig, naamlik dat afwentelingsprogramme bydra tot die voorkoming van hermisdaadpleging indien dit korrek geïmplementeer word, dat betekenisvolle hulpbronne in die intervensieproses betrek moet word en dat nasorg en monitering na afloop van die programme of maatskaplike intervensies moet geskied.

The purpose of this study was to examine the County of San Bernardino's Independent Living Program's (ILP's) efforts to prepare ILP participants for self-sufficiency. These efforts were evaluated from the perspective of foster youth who are currently participating in an Indepent Living Program. The study utilized quantitative and qualitative research methods to assess the ILP participants' preparedness for independence.

Wadjela and Nyungar experts (of managerial, administrative, service staff), from the same South-West city location in Western Australia were randomly chosen from the non-government human service field for separate workshops and asked the question “what makes a non-government human service organisation effective?" The purpose was to compare the group consensus answer between the two separate workshop groups. The Nyungars are the Indigenous people in the South-West of Western Australia and the Wadjelas are the Non-Indigenous people living in the same area. The results listed five criteria, in order of priority that made non-government human service organisations effective. For the Wadjela community these were: I. A clear and shared vision of its task 2. Clear organisational structure which promotes strategic thinking and practice 3. Experienced and dedicated staff 4. Clear and client-based focus and strategies 5, Clarity of and relevant mission or goals. For the Nyungar community the results were: 1. A vision shared of Aboriginal culture and values 2. Appropriate management and finance incorporating Aboriginal culture and values 3. Recognition and identification of need 4. Diverse representation on Committee 5. Community involvement. Analysis and discussion of the findings were attempted from an Australian Indigenous perspective of people, place and parable. The conclusion is that the difference between Wadjela and Nyungar criteria in assessing organisational effectiveness in non-government organisations is that the former utilise a mechanical efficiency model and the latter a commitment to the whole community model. These differences were seen to be a contest between two world-views, that of a continuity of pragmatic relationships versus that of continuity of stewardship relationships.

The primary aim of the research project was to develop conceptual models of rural ambulance service delivery based on different worldviews or philosophical positions, and then to compare and contrast these new and emerging models with existing organisational policy and practice. Four research aims were explored: community expectations of pre-hospital care, the existing organization of rural ambulance services, the measurement of ambulance service performance, and the comparative suitability of different pre-hospital models of service delivery. A unique feature was the use of soft systems methodology to develop the models of service delivery. It is one of the major non-traditional systems approaches to organisational research and lends itself to problem solving in the real world. The classic literature-hypothesis-experiment-results-conclusion model of research was not followed. Instead, policy and political analysis techniques were used as counter-points to the systems approach. The program of research employed a triangulation technique to adduce evidence from various sources in order to analyse ambulance services in rural Victoria. In particular, information from questionnaires, a focus group, interviews and performance data from the ambulance services themselves were used. These formed a rich dataset that provided new insight into rural ambulance services. Five service delivery models based on different worldviews were developed, each with its own characteristics, transformation processes and performance criteria. The models developed are titled: competitive; sufficing; community; expert; and practitioner. These conceptual models are presented as metaphors and in the form of holons and rich pictures, and then transformed into patient pathways for operational implementation. All five conceptual models meet the criteria for systemic desirability and were assessed for their political and cultural feasibility in a range of different rural communities. They provide a solid foundation for future discourse, debate and discussion about possible changes to the way pre-hospital services are delivered in rural Victoria.

Mentally ill juveniles who are incarcerated in correctional facilities receive minimal or no treatment services. The research in this thesis determines that mentally ill juvenile offenders receive inadequate treatment. It also determined that juvenile correctional officers as well as others in the criminal justice system are not trained properly to deal with mentally ill juveniles.

This study developed a model of youth work practice based on a philosophy of nonviolence. Youth work in Australia is in the process of creating a clear self-consciousness and idea of its role, and a philosophy of nonviolence provides a strong foundation for further development. The study was based on the first three phases of intervention research (problem analysis and project planning, information gathering and synthesis, and design) within a heuristic paradigm. It involved a literature review, a telephone survey of 60 youth workers, in-depth interviews with 20 young people and 15 youth workers, and focus groups with 16 youth workers. Literature on youth work in Australia and Britain, and youth care in Canada and South Africa helped identify key features of youth work. Ten principles of nonviolence were developed based on principled nonviolence literature. The telephone survey provided a broad overview of current practice in New South Wales, and identified issues for further exploration in the interviews. The in-depth interviews with youth workers and young people explored their perceptions of violence and discrimination within their services; ways in which youth workers prevent and respond to disruptive, violent and unsafe behaviour; and ways in which youth work practice can be consistent with a philosophy of nonviolence. Based on the research, a model of nonviolent practice was developed, and then refined following focus groups with youth workers. The model encourages youth workers to be committed to nonviolence in all they do; to develop a reflective work practice; to build professional, caring relationships; to focus on power-with; to be committed to social change; to apply principles of social justice; to ensure there are adequate, appropriate staff and resources; to negotiate clear expectations and boundaries; to create a positive environment; to respond to behaviour nonviolently; and to facilitate informal education.
PhD Doctorate

In British Colombia, youth are subject to risks that influence their capacity to develop into healthy adults. Community-based youth projects play an important role in supporting youth to develop the motivation, skills and knowledge to overcome challenges in their lives and surroundings. In this grounded theory study 1 examined how community-based youth projects can assist youth to make and maintain positive changes in their lives. Data were collected from staff as well as from people in the community involved with youth in the projects. The findings demonstrate that adults staff and people in the community) involved with the projects engage in a process, named in this thesis as "Supporting Transformation", a process that includes the following categories of action: "Figuring it Out", "Creating Willingness to Engage", 'Introducing a New Way", and "Maintaining Willingness to Engage". By articulating the process of Supporting Transformation, it is hoped that adults will increase their understanding of how to create the conditions that lead to sustainable change in youth.

Research Doctorate - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is Australia’s most prevalent, chronic, life-limiting, genetic condition, predominantly characterised by impaired and declining lung function over time. The disease requires complex, multimodal, life-long treatment. Rapid improvement in prognosis has been seen in CF over recent decades, and the average life expectancy is now 38 years. The rapidity of this change has greatly altered the profile of needs among those with CF, as well as the nature of CF care. Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) experience significant biopsychosocial impacts across every realm of functioning and specific threats to the management of daily care. These impacts result from the interface between CF and development and have significant long-term consequences for survival and quality of life. Adolescent health is now a well-established subspeciality, with associated principles and practices of youth-friendly care. However, while recognition of the significant impacts faced by young people with CF is growing, to date there has been limited exploration of the experience of care for young people and professionals and how it can be optimised. This PhD research aimed to address this gap to determine how care can be optimised for AYAs living with CF in Australia. This was done across two mixed-methods studies, based on a constructionist epistemological framework, developmental theory and the Capability Approach. Study 1 examined how AYAs experience CF, with 21 AYAs aged 15–30 years recruited through one paediatric and one adult Australian CF centre. Distress (Distress Thermometer), quality of life (Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire – Revised (CFQ-R)) and health literacy (Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ)) data were examined. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken and thematically analysed. A high proportion of participants reported clinically significant distress. Strengths and challenges in relation to quality of life and health literacy were identified. Distress was negatively correlated with many quality-of-life domains, and health literacy and quality of life demonstrated significant association across several domains, illustrating important avenues for clinical intervention. Qualitative themes included the broad-ranging impacts of CF for young people, the complexities of managing CF, care and life, and recommendations for care. Study 2 employed two phases of research to examine the knowledge and experience of health care professionals caring for AYAs living with CF in Australia and identify what is needed to optimise care. Phase 1 involved qualitative focus groups with three paediatric and three adult Australian CF services, comprising 28 professionals, which were thematically analysed. Themes included: AYAs as a unique patient cohort; the complexity of care; unique approaches to care; barriers and facilitators to quality care; and factors needed to optimise care. The factors were associated with the model of care, funding, staffing and resources, collaboration, education and research. Based on these results, phase 2 involved a national, mixed-methods online survey to evaluate the high-priority factors needed to optimise care with 107 health professionals working in CF services and community organisations. Factors related to the model of care were of greatest priority, with a specific focus on improving psychosocial care. In alignment, improving clinic processes, education for health professionals, collaboration and staffing were also priorities. These findings point to the importance of a consensus-based, developmentally appropriate, capability-based model of AYA CF care. Recommendations to optimise care within such a model are made, and the systemic response required to support this change is discussed. The strengths and limitations of this work are delineated throughout along with areas in need of future research. This work provides a path forward to begin to optimise care for young people with CF and ensure that health professionals are best supported in providing care and that young people with CF are offered the best opportunity to live their best lives and fulfil their human potential.

This research added an innovative, critical component to the current problem gambling treatment approaches available in Australia. It targeted a susceptible and significant group of people who experience gambling-related harm but find it difficult to stop gambling and not to start again. Relapse in problem gambling and treatment dropout is common, with a rate of up to 70% being generally accepted. To date, gambling interventions specifically targeting risk factors for relapse have not been the focus of many studies. The author of this thesis, who has lived experience with problem gambling, designed a structured group program targeting two identified risk factors for gambling relapse: 1) lack of social connectedness, and 2) lack of leisure substitution. Between 2009 and 2016, four versions of this program were trialled. All program participants were supported by a group of volunteers, most of whom had lived experience with problem gambling and were participants in previous program versions. Four versions of the program were evaluated using a multi-method approach. Quantitative data were collected using validated psychosocial measures. Journaled observation by the author, anecdotal evidence and journaled participants quotes were documented by the author in various project reports and are used in this thesis to support the qualitative findings. The results of the quantitative data revealed significant improvement for participants in the areas of social connectedness, self-efficacy, and mental health. Importantly, the results also indicated that the program supported the goals of either abstinence from, or control over, gambling behaviour for program completers. It is concluded that this innovative program helped to reconnect people to activities other than gambling and to a supportive community and, in so doing, effectively achieved the research objectives. An extra qualitative study ‘Volunteer study’ was conducted to explore if the aspect of ‘volunteering’ made a positive contribution to sustain behavioural changes that were achieved by previous program participation. This exploratory study utilised 14 in-depth semi-structured interviews with current volunteers of the trialled relapse-focused programs from studies 1-4. This part of the research indicated that volunteering for any of the peer support relapse focused programs provided significant benefits to an individual’s recovery from problem gambling. The sample was a small convenience sample, so it is not possible to generalise the findings but offers an opportunity to further explore the importance of volunteering in recovery.

The aim of this study is to assess the implementation of the Youth Crime Prevention Desk (YCPD) programme in the Ekurhuleni North Cluster in Gauteng. Since the Social Crime Prevention Strategy was introduced in the South African Police Service (SAPS), no study has been conducted in the organisation to assess whether this strategy has yielded the expected results in line with its objectives. Data was collected by means of in-depth interviews as well as focus group interviews with Community Policing Forum (CPF) members, YCPD programme community volunteers, SAPS social crime prevention coordinators, Department of Community Safety (DoCS) social crime prevention coordinators and a station commander in the Ekurhuleni North Cluster. These participants are closely involved with the YCPD programme and freely expressed their views, understanding, knowledge and beliefs in relation to the implementation and associated activities of the YCPD programme. In addition, the researcher conducted a comprehensive literature study of the national legislation, SAPS policies and directives that oversee and promote social crime prevention in South Africa, as well as library resources and international studies. Various objectives were fulfilled in the execution of this study:  It was determined that social crime prevention guidelines are not complied with regarding the implementation of the YCPD.  It was determined that the YCPD is not achieving its proposed aims and objectives. In addition, this study and its results provide a framework for mitigating the challenges encountered during the implementation of strategies for improving the establishment of the YCPD in the Ekurhuleni North Cluster. The findings of the research indicate that the YCPD programme has not been effectively implemented within the Ekurhuleni North Cluster, since it became evident that the YCPD role-players are confronted by various challenges, which impede the proper implementation of the programme. Based on the findings of this study, a Youth Crime Prevention Desk Implementation Framework was developed. This framework could serve as a guideline advising the South African Police Service, Department of Community Safety, Community Policing Forums and Youth Crime Prevention Desk programme’s community volunteers in the Ekurhuleni North Cluster how the implementation of the programme could be improved. This framework could also contribute towards further identifying best practices with a view to benchmarking such a framework in other areas in South Africa. This study makes a significant contribution to the improvement of the implementation of the Youth Crime Prevention Desk programme in the Ekurhuleni North Cluster and to youth social crime and violence in general.
Police Practice
D. Litt. et Phil. (Police Science)

Drug abuse is a very common problem these days; and this problem is especially rampant among the young people of South Africa. Early problems in family management, the antisocial behaviour of the child, and peer pressure and rejection ignite the early onset of substance abuse. Treatment programmes and therapeutic methods to treat chemical dependency are available and utilised, but the high relapse rate and lack of support from family members and dysfunctional families, as well as the fears and challenges expressed by in-patient youth about being reintegrated with their families and a lack of supporting literature in this regard remain a cause for concern and need to be considered by the social work profession in order to plan effective intervention strategies. In response to this situation a research project was undertaken with the purpose of exploring and describing the perceptions, expectations, fears and needs of chemically dependent youth in a rehabilitation centre about being integrated into their family systems in an attempt to forward recommendations to assist social workers in rendering effective therapeutic services to service users in rehabilitation centres who have a substance abuse problem. A qualitative approach was utilised following an explorative, descriptive and contextual research design. The study was conducted at an in-patient rehabilitation centre called the Dr Fabian and Florence Ribeiro Treatment Centre in Cullinan, Gauteng Province in South Africa. Data were collected by means of semi-structured interviews. A sample of participants was selected by using purposive sampling from a population of service users in the Dr Fabian and Florence Ribeiro Centre who are chemically dependent. Data were analysed according to the framework provided by Tesch (cited in Creswell, 2003). Guba‘s model (cited in Krefting, 1991) was employed for data verification. The research findings point to the fact that participants had both negative and positive perceptions about going back to their respective families. On the one hand, there were negative perceptions shared. These were founded on a feeling of worry about the fact that their families criticised them a lot or that their families would not accept that they had changed, would still treat them like addicts, and not trust them. Furthermore, they feared relapse, triggers in their environment and family members who were abusing a substance. On the other hand, some participants perceived the reintegration with their families, following treatment, in a positive light as they were looking forward to joining them again after being in v treatment for three months.They were excited about the fact that they had been granted an opportunity where they could show their families that they have changed and have the chance of starting a new life. Moreover, part of the research findings point to the fact that some of the participants‘ families had already organised employment, a place for them to stay and financial assistance. From the research findings it became clear that the participants harboured the following expectations towards the families with whom they were reuniting: They need the family‘s love and support; to trust them again: to mend severed relationships and spend quality time together; to provide practical and material help, and for the family to be educated on addiction and for the family to accompany them to aftercare. In terms of research findings directed at the site (i.e., the rehabilitation centre) where the research was conducted the participants indicated that they needed more activities, they would like their families to be part of their recovery process, and expressed the need for individual sessions apart from group sessions and aftercare services. In terms of recommendations it was apparent that community members, community organisations and the government sector need to develop and launch chemical substance abuse prevention and awareness programmes through various media, (i.e. articles in newspapers, magazines, talks and documentaries on radio and television, community gatherings and meetings in all communities). Moreover, it is recommended that parents should take responsibility for monitoring and countering substance abuse in their children. Families need to be empowered through talks, attending parenting skills training, workshops and group meetings. South Africa needs to develop a policy focusing on families. Furthermore, it is recommended that treatment centres need to provide individual sessions, family therapy, aftercare services and more extramural activities, if these are not included in their treatment regime.
Social Work
M.A. (Social Science)

Behaviour problems are a problem in many secondary schools in Zimbabwe. This study attempts to investigate the causes and manifestations of behaviour problems of adolescent learners and to develop guidelines for teachers on how to assist learners with behaviour problems in the classroom. This is a qualitative study using focus group and semi-structured interviews. The main findings contributing to the causes of behaviour problems among adolescent learners are environmental factors, such as the family and the school and peer pressure. Behaviour problems are manifested by adolescents as disruptive behaviour, aggressive and antisocial behaviour, telling lies and theft. The findings highlight important guidelines, which teachers can use to assist and understand learners with behaviour problems in the classroom. The guidelines present an endeavour to solve problem behaviour in the classroom.
Educational Studies
M.Ed. (Special Needs Education)

Reports on the escalation of violence in South African schools have been a cause for concern. The Media have reported a high incidence of adolescent anger towards and fights with peers, family members and school teachers. Alcohol and drug abuse, risky sexual behaviours and gang related activities are also noted as a concern among school-going adolescents. These behaviours are precursors to mental health problems among school-going adolescents and prompted the researcher to carry out an investigation on how high schools promote the mental health of their learners. A sequential explanatory mixed methods approach was used to explore the experiences of school-going adolescents, school teachers and school health nurses in dealing with social and emotional problems in high schools. An event history calendar was used to collect both the quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data was used with school going adolescents, whereas, qualitative data in the form of focus groups was used with school nurses and individual interviews was used with school teachers. Qualitative individual interviews were also used with a subset of school going adolescents to augment the quantitative results. The two sets of data were analysed independently and only at interpretation of findings were they collated and integrated. Quantitative data analysis was done using descriptive and inferential statistics whilst content analysis and thematic analysis were used with qualitative data. Major findings of the study revealed that adolescents’ problems manifested themselves as inappropriate handling of emotions which resulted in drug and alcohol abuse, risky sexual behaviours and gangsterism which adversely impacted on the adolescents’ social-emotional well-being and mental health. A universal prevention and promotion programme through social and emotional learning to address the social and emotional ailments of adolescents that impede mental health promotion in high schools was proposed. The “TEAM” intervention proposes the promotion of positive peer relationships through the use of positive gangs in a safe, caring and cooperative school climate. The intervention would also capacitate adolescents with prosocial skills and values that would yield positive outcomes for greater academic and life successes generally. The study recommends the use of the proposed ‘TEAM’ intervention in schools for mental health promotion.
Health Studies
D. Litt. et Phil. (Health Studies)

Adolescent substance abuse is a major problem facing the world today. In order to understand the reasons for adolescent substance abuse behaviour, various theoretical perspectives were utilised and strategies to curb substance use were also identified. The study was conducted in the rural areas of Zeerust, North West province of South Africa. The participants included 12 male adolescents, whose ages ranged from 12 to 15 years. A qualitative, explorative research design was employed. Data was gathered using semi-structured interviews, genograms and observations. Thematic analysis was used to analyse audio-taped data. The study found that substances abused by the participants include alcohol, nicotine, cannabis and heroin. Their reasons for using these substances include individual, family and environmental factors. However, peer group pressure was identified as the primary factor for adolescent substance use. This study emphasises the painful nature of substance abuse among adolescents, yet at the same time it succeeds in highlighting the strategies that can be employed to address substance abuse among adolescents. In addition, this study recommends a concerted effort by all the stakeholders in addressing the substance abuse problem.
Psychology
M.A. (Psychology)

Rebelliousness is the act of defying lawful authority or a resistant way of relating to authority. It is seen by many as a normal way of development. The development of rebellious behavior actually starts in childhood and progresses through to adulthood. The study focuses on the manner in which the family and school handle the rebellious child and the negative effects that these have on the child's development. These problems may manifest in truancy, delinquency, negativism, runaway, antisocial behavior, alcohol and substance abuse and gang involvement. The results of the study prove that the environment in which the adolescent lives, contribute greatly to the development and the maintenance of rebellious behavior. Guidelines were written for parents, teachers and psychologists regarding the handling of the rebellious child.
Psychology of Education
M.Ed. (Guidance and Counselling)