SUCCESSFUL PROBATION CASES : AN EXPLORATORY STUDY OF THE EXPERIENCES OF YOUNG OFENDERS [I.E. OFFENDERS] AND THEIR PARENTS

Abstract

The study is focussed on the experiences of young male probationers who have been put on probation with a condition of residence in the hostel and have successfully completed their probation. It attempts to capture the boys' experiences and feelings at the following points of time: when they were apprehended, when they were found guilty in the court of law and during their residence in the hostel. This study aims to gain an insight into the lives of young probationers who have been through the Juvenile Justice System. It hopes to learn from their experiences in terms of 'what they feel and think' has contributed to their success. A qualitative, a case-study approach has been adopted in this study. A total of 11 cases, consisting of both the young probationers and their parents, were interviewed in this study. Based on the interviews, it was found that the factors perceived by young probationers' as contributing to their successful completion of probation, can be categorised into 4 main domains. They are namely, the Juvenile Justice System, Self, Significant Others and Family. The implications of the findings and recommendations for futher research and effective treatment of young offenders were also examined.