NICRO diversion options

Abstract

Since 1994 South Africa has faced many challenges but none so widely experienced as crime. The day-to-day perceptions of living in South Africa are characterised by crime, violence and uncertainty. The criminal justice system is undeniably overloaded. Not surprisingly, the criminal justice system is seen by many to be biased, unrepresentative and unjust. However, there are signs of a shift away from punitive and retributive criminal justice practices towards rehabilitative, educational and restorative options. The aim of this booklet is to introduce and describe diversionary options available to the criminal justice system through NICRO. The booklet will simultaneously serve as an educational tool and a manual for practitioners in the field of criminal justice. In addition it will enable practitioners to start diversionary options in their own regions.