Page 47 - Preventing Youth Violence

As the Programme expanded and community youth became aware of the opportunity
for vocational skills training, their interest was aroused. They saw their peers making the

transition from street corners into the classrooms, and so many visited the CSJP offices as
‘walk-in’ clients or self -referrals. This latter category provided the largest intake of the

clients into the Programme.

Where major partners are referring applicants to the Programme, a CSJP referral form is
completed and signed by the referring organization. (See Appendix 1). The referral form

becomes the intake form when used by a CCMO/case officer with a ‘walk-in’ applicant.
All applicants are required to complete the CSJP referral/intake Form, which provides

biographical data, such as the applicant’s name in full, gender, date of birth, educational
level, next of kin, community, inter alia, for the CSJP records. The applicant signs the

completed form and if the applicant is a minor, a parent/guardian is asked to co-sign the
form. The completion of the form does not reside only with the applicant. It also requires

that the case officer, or the receptionist, or whoever administers the form, assigns a client
reference number which is unique to the applicant.

2. Signing Consent Form

The next step is the signing of the consent form by the applicant and guardian in the event
client is below eighteen (18) years (see Appendix 2). The consent form is critical to the

process as it provides assurance to the prospective client that information disclosed to the
case officer, who co-signs the document, is confidential. Information on the consent form

may only be disclosed if the law requires mandatory reporting or if the client poses a threat
of self- harm or harm to others.

Given the nature of the CSJP’s relationship with the police/MNS, there are times when

individuals are reluctant to sign the form for fear of having personal information disclosed
to the police. Under these circumstances, case officers are careful to remind the client

of the confidential nature of their relationship, and that the client has a right to self-
determination in the client/case officer relationship. The case officer also encourages the

applicant to be as candid as possible and will seek to build rapport and trust during the
interviewing process, the stage where building an authentic relationship with the client

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