Restorative justice implementation in correctional centres

<p dir="ltr">Due to South Africa being a country where crime is rife and citizens often feel that the Correctional Justice Services (CJS) is failing, the researcher became interested in what is being done to reduce the recurrence of criminal activities and how the consequences of crime are addressed. No previous research was found to identify whether victims are included in Restorative Justice (RJ) processes in Correctional centres or to determine whether their harms are being addressed. Furthermore, the detailed steps taken when implementing RJ programmes or facilitating VODs were not found to be documented in the current literature. The study endeavored to answer the following research question<b>: </b>What are the perceptions of facilitators and offenders regarding the implementation of RJ at two selected Correctional Centres in South Africa?</p><p dir="ltr">The aim of the study was explore and describe the perceptions of facilitators and offenders regarding the implementation of RJ within two selected Correctional Centres. To realise the aim of the study, the following objectives need to be achieved:</p><p><br></p><ul><li>To explore and describe the perceptions of RJ facilitators pertaining to the implementation of RJ in two selected South African Correctional Centres.</li><li>To explore and describe the perceptions of RJ facilitators regarding victim inclusion in the RJ programme presented in two selected South African Correctional Centres.</li><li>To investigate the experiences of offenders who participated in the RJ programme<del>s</del> presented in the two selected South African Correctional Centres.</li><li>To explore and describe measures that could be taken to improve the RJ programme being presented at the two selected South African Correctional Centres.</li><li>Based on the study’s findings, produce an integrated framework that can be used as best practice for implementing RJ programmes in South African Correctional Centres.</li></ul><p><br></p><p dir="ltr">Informed by the interpretivism paradigm, a qualitative research approach guided the current study, as it allowed for a first-hand, holistic understanding of the phenomenon that was being researched. The research purposes of the current study were both explorative and descriptive in nature. The researcher explored and described how RJ programmes are implemented in South African Correctional Centres, a topic on which there is limited updated literature. The study was considered applied research as interventions were set out subsequent to the data received throughout the research process. This intervention strategy was suitable for the current study as it involved the use of findings to reveal functional solutions and improvement strategies to the problems recognised. With an explorative approach encompassing the research, the case study research design was the most suitable option. The first participant group comprised of facilitators from NGOs and FBOs, who implement RJ programmes in South African Correctional Centres. The population for the current research consisted of all the NGO and FBO personnel implementing RJ programmes in South African Correctional Centres. The sampling method that was used in this study was purposive sampling, sometimes referred to as convenience or judgement sampling. The sample that was drawn from this population was obtained in the following manner: Two Correctional Centres were purposively selected within two DCS management areas. Two organisations involved in the facilitation of RJ within these two Correctional Centres were approached for permission to conduct research within their organisations. Once permission was obtained from the organisations to conduct the research, the researcher approached those who facilitate the RJ programmes and requested their participation in the focus groups. </p><p dir="ltr"><br></p><p dir="ltr">Focus group interviews allowed the researcher to elicit diverse data of different opinions and perceptions around the same topic and the researcher made use of a focus group discussion guide. The second participant group consisted of adult male offenders who had participated in RJ programmes in the two selected South African Correctional Centres. DCS officials at the two purposively selected Correctional Centres that formed part of the study’s sample were approached to assist with the sampling of offenders, as they have knowledge of which offenders have participated in the RJ programmes. The semi-structured interview guide was tested by conducting a pilot study with two previously incarcerated offenders. Personal semi-structured (face-to-face) interviews were done with the offenders and were guided by a semi-structured interview guide. The researcher specifically used Braun and Clarke’s approach to reflexive thematic analysis (RTA), to theoretically interpret the qualitative data and identify and analyse themes in a data set. Data quality was ensured by maintaining trustworthiness, dependability, confirmability, and transferability.</p>