Lifeskills training for children with problem and deviant behaviour: the Noupoort Youth and CommunityDevelopment Project

Abstract

English: This article describes the development, implementation and outcomes of two community-based lifeskills programmes in Noupoort for children with troubled behaviour. Results show that approximately one out of every five children re-engaged in misconduct or criminal behaviour following participation in the programmes. Continued offending occurred predominantly in property-linked crimes. This indicates a need for improved assessments and alternative or additional support for some of the participants. Although most parents/guardians of referred children valued the programmes, practice indicates that it is difficult to secure their involvement. The study includes descriptions of comparative situations from South Africa and international evidence in respect of intervention with troubled behaviour of children.

Afrikaans: Hierdie artikel beskryf die ontwikkeling, implementering en uitkomste van twee gemeenskapsgebaseerde lewensvaardigheidsprogramme in Noupoort vir kinders met sorgwekkende gedrag. Bevindinge wys daarop dat ongeveer een uit elke vyf van die betrokke kinders weer in wan- en kriminele gedrag betrokke was na deelname aan die programme. Herhaalde oortreding behels meestal eiendomsmisdade — ’n aanduiding dat verbeterde assessering en alternatiewe of bykomende ondersteuning vir sommige deelnemers benodig word. Alhoewel meeste ouers/voogde van verwysde kinders die programme van waarde ag dui die praktyk daarop dat hul deelname moeilik is om te verkry. Vergelykende situasies van Suid-Afrika en internasionale bevindinge rakende ingrepe met die sorgwekkende gedrag van kinders word ook aangebied.