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Probation Officers’ Perceptions on the Utilization of Intermediary Support Services: A Child and Human Rights Perspectives
Sekgobela T, Baloyi DE ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view ·Key points
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Abstract
Abstract The utilization of the intermediary support services is essential to ensure respect, advocacy, dignity, well-being, and protection for the rights of child offenders within the criminal justice system. Grounded in the child and human rights perspectives, such as South Africa’s Child Justice System, the African Union charter on the rights and welfare of the child, United Nations conventions on the rights of the child, the study examined probation officers’ perceptions of the role and value of intermediary support services to enhance child-sensitive justice. Using a qualitative, exploratory design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 probation officers, purposively selected to contribute to and respond to the research questions. The study used the child participation theory and the rights-based approach to provide a framework. The study used thematic analysis, and four key themes emerged, which include (1) recognition of intermediary support services as child-rights protection, (2) conflicting understanding and knowledge gaps, (3) systemic, structural, and resource-related barriers, (4) need for strengthening capacity and policy guidance, (5) significance of multi-disciplinary partnerships to improve child-sensitive justice. Enhancing probation officers’ knowledge, skills, and use of intermediary support services is essential to promoting child-friendly justice and advancing the human rights of child offenders. Training and capacity building are essential to enhance probation officers' understanding of the importance of using intermediary support services. The study adhered to universal ethical principles and standards to protect its integrity, including informed consent, confidentiality, anonymity, and avoidance of harm.