A hope-infused future orientation intervention: a pilot study with juvenile offenders in South Africa

The prevailing sociopolitical and economic difficulties advance a feeling of hopelessness and helplessness among youth in South Africa. This paper describes a Hope-Infused Future Orientated intervention piloted with a group of juvenile sex offenders. The intervention incorporated activities to bolster the constructs of hope as a unique foundation, together with culturally-appropriate strategies to assist the participants in making realistic decisions regarding their future livelihood. The study used a focused ethnographic approach to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention. Multiple mixed methods were used to collect data. The analysis was qualitative. Findings illustrate the effectiveness of this intervention. Limitations and strengths of the study are discussed. Recommendations for future practice and research are made.