An Assessment of Causative and Risk factors leading to Recidivism: A Case study of the Matsapha Correctional Services -Swaziland By Mr. Sibusiso Mahlalela Mr. Sibusiso Mahlalela Programmes Manager (Social Worker) SACRO (REPSSI Psychosocial Support Forum Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe 1 – 3 rd September 2015)

Introduction /conceptualisation The Swaziland Correctional Services has placed rehabilitation of offenders at the centre of the Department’s activities. The Swaziland Correctional Services has placed rehabilitation of offenders at the centre of the Department’s activities. The initiatives are intended not only to be a crime reduction strategy, but also to promote social responsibility, empowerment through life skills and other skills, and contributing to making Swaziland a safer place. The initiatives are intended not only to be a crime reduction strategy, but also to promote social responsibility, empowerment through life skills and other skills, and contributing to making Swaziland a safer place.

Problem Statement Recidivism (re-offending) in Swaziland seems to be happening in a very consecutive manner. Recidivism (re-offending) in Swaziland seems to be happening in a very consecutive manner. The inconsistent reduction number of youth recidivists (re- offenders) in is one of the most serious socioeconomic problems. The inconsistent reduction number of youth recidivists (re- offenders) in is one of the most serious socioeconomic problems. The habit of falling back into crime (recidivism) (17%) by some youth offenders remains one of the major problems of youth crime prevention. The habit of falling back into crime (recidivism) (17%) by some youth offenders remains one of the major problems of youth crime prevention. Youth recidivist once released from incarceration, continue committing more serious crimes and this result in their reconvictions Youth recidivist once released from incarceration, continue committing more serious crimes and this result in their reconvictions

The Purpose of the Case study Was to assess the causative and risk factors that aggravate to recidivism (Re- Offending) among Youth ex-offenders in the Matsapha Central Prison. Was to assess the causative and risk factors that aggravate to recidivism (Re- Offending) among Youth ex-offenders in the Matsapha Central Prison.

Objectives of the Study To determine the impact of the rehabilitation programmes of youth offenders in the Matsapha Correctional Services To determine the impact of the rehabilitation programmes of youth offenders in the Matsapha Correctional Services To determine the impact of the social re-integration programmes to youth offenders in the Matsapha Correctional Services; and To determine the impact of the social re-integration programmes to youth offenders in the Matsapha Correctional Services; and To determine the relative risk factors to youth re- offending in the Matsapha Correctional services. To determine the relative risk factors to youth re- offending in the Matsapha Correctional services.

Methodology Mixed method approach was used Mixed method approach was used 30 questionnaires and 20 Interviews were conducted as mean of Data collection 30 questionnaires and 20 Interviews were conducted as mean of Data collection

Measure Findings Parental unemployment, Parental unemployment, Drop out of school early to assume adult responsibility Drop out of school early to assume adult responsibility Not good paying jobs motivated them to resort to crime Not good paying jobs motivated them to resort to crime After release social influences such as peer pressure. After release social influences such as peer pressure. Mental illnesses problems which have no interventions inside prison Mental illnesses problems which have no interventions inside prison Anti-social behaviours as a result of poor parental guidance. Anti-social behaviours as a result of poor parental guidance.

Conclusion Recidivism among Swazi youth is provoked not by the offender nor by the sentence imposed; Recidivism among Swazi youth is provoked not by the offender nor by the sentence imposed; It is provoked by the difficulties young people face during reintegration into society, It is provoked by the difficulties young people face during reintegration into society, The ineffectiveness of support mechanisms that are available to them upon release from prison. The ineffectiveness of support mechanisms that are available to them upon release from prison. Recidivism is also directly related to social stimulus outside the control of the Swazi criminal justice system. Recidivism is also directly related to social stimulus outside the control of the Swazi criminal justice system. The tendency of youth re-offending will continue until their mental health problems are addressed The tendency of youth re-offending will continue until their mental health problems are addressed

Recommendations Efforts to reduce recidivism require attention to the specific and changing circumstances of former offenders and need to provide access to services that can address their needs. Efforts to reduce recidivism require attention to the specific and changing circumstances of former offenders and need to provide access to services that can address their needs. Provide effective linkages to mental health treatment programmes outside of prison Provide effective linkages to mental health treatment programmes outside of prison Introduction of effective substance abuse and mental health treatment programmes for inmates. Introduction of effective substance abuse and mental health treatment programmes for inmates.

The Positive Youth Development Perspective All children have strengths All children have strengths All families, schools, and communities have assets – or the “nutrients” or “building blocks” of healthy, positive development All families, schools, and communities have assets – or the “nutrients” or “building blocks” of healthy, positive development Aligning – creating a good fit – between child strengths and ecological assets will promote positive youth development Aligning – creating a good fit – between child strengths and ecological assets will promote positive youth development

The End!