Application of Case Management in a Private Prison: A South African Case Study

• NCJ Number: 217083
• Journal: Acta Criminologica Volume: 19 Issue: 3 Dated: 2006 Pages: 195-213
• Author(s): N. du Preez; W. Luyt
• Date Published: 2006
• Length: 19 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis; Case Study
• Language: English
• Country: South Africa
• Note: Downloaded January 23, 2007. To access the full text PDF: 1) select the provided PDF link; 2) from the Acta Criminologica Web site, select "Table of Contents"; 3) select the corresponding Volume and Issue (see the NCJRS abstract record for the exact Volume and Issue); 4) scroll the Table of Contents to the exact article; and 5) click on the "full text" icon.

Annotation

This paper presents a case study that illustrates the implementation of case management in a selected South African private prison.

Abstract

South African correctional legislation provides for both private prisons and the use of case management in all prisons. Private prisons are required to create a Case Management Committee composed of correctional officials who will oversee case management. The three main functions of case management are to define the rehabilitation process for each inmate, to provide the resources needed for the rehabilitation plan, and to provide the custodial supervision required to guide the inmate through the rehabilitation process. Case management should be part of the unit management approach that is currently being introduced in South African prisons. The current case study of case management in a private prison shows that although unit management has not been fully implemented, it is possible for case management to be implemented successfully. The essential components for case management are committed staff members and case management guidelines. The case study showed the importance of all members of the prison staff being trained in case management in a multidisciplinary team approach. Training for all staff is necessary in order to create a correctional subculture that serves the rehabilitative goals of case management. A continually updated case file is important for monitoring the progress of the inmate under his/her particular rehabilitative plan. A 14-item bibliography