Working With and Within Chaos

The Development of a Music Therapy Programme for Young Sex Offenders in South Africa

Authors

  • Helen Brenda Oosthuizen 1University of Melbourne, Australia; Teddy Bear Clinic, South Africa; University of Pretoria, South Africa

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15845/voices.v18i4.2588

Keywords:

young sex offender, group music therapy, diversion, South Africa, holistic rehabilitation

Abstract

The Support Programme for Abuse Reactive Children, was initiated by the Teddy Bear Clinic (an NPO established to protect abused children) in South Africa in response to the increase of child-on-child offenders in this country.  This short-term programme aims to offer holistic rehabilitation to first time young sex offenders and incorporates conventional diversion approaches alongside creative programmes, including group music therapy. Based on a review of my session notes, this paper considers challenges and positive developments I experienced over time as the programme’s music therapist from 2006 to 2016. Although I often experienced this work as chaotic, findings suggest that through co-creating a context-specific music therapy programme alongside group members, clinic staff and the broader community, music therapy has offered an increasingly relevant and valuable complement to the diversion programme. Continuing challenges within this work are also highlighted.

Author Biography

Helen Brenda Oosthuizen, 1University of Melbourne, Australia; Teddy Bear Clinic, South Africa; University of Pretoria, South Africa

Helen Oosthuizen (MMus (Music Therapy)) is a South African based registered music therapist and GIM Fellow. She is currently pursuing PhD studies with the University of Melbourne, Australia. Helen's clinical work has included facilitating groups with young sex offenders at the Teddy Bear Clinic in Johannesburg between 2006-2017. Helen has served as a supervisor of music therapy masters students, published journal articles in this field and is a co-editor of the book, "Taking Music Seriously: Stories from South African Music Therapy".

Published

2018-10-17

How to Cite

Oosthuizen, H. B. (2018). Working With and Within Chaos: The Development of a Music Therapy Programme for Young Sex Offenders in South Africa. Voices: A World Forum for Music Therapy, 18(4). https://doi.org/10.15845/voices.v18i4.2588