Youth in Conflict With the Law and Socio-economic Experiences in Their Childhood:

Authors

  • Desiree Kock Institute for Continuing Education, UNISA

Keywords:

secure care centre, delinquent youth, life stories

Abstract

Youth in conflict with the law is a growing phenomenon in South Africa. To answer the question: "What happened in the early lives of these children that drove them to violent crimes?" a qualitative study, using 58 life stories of young people awaiting trial, was conducted in Gauteng, South Africa. From these life stories, the researcher identified a clear relationship between socio-economic circumstances, childhood experi­ences, and conflict with the law. Poverty was found to be the main con­tributing factor to criminal activities. A lack of knowledge and under­standing also contributed to crimes such as rape and sodomy. Child and youth care practitioners therefore should not only consider these aspects, but should also address educational needs in communities.

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Published

2005-03-01

How to Cite

Kock, D. . (2005). Youth in Conflict With the Law and Socio-economic Experiences in Their Childhood:. Journal of Child and Youth Care Work, 20, 56–71. Retrieved from http://acycpjournal.pitt.edu/ojs/jcycw/article/view/403

Issue

Vol. 20 (2005)

Section

Articles

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