Suchergebnisse

This article argues the case for greater probation service involvement with the literacy needs of offenders under supervision. It draws attention to the high levels of poor literacy amongst offenders and discusses the significance of literacy intervention in relation to current probation objectives. Consideration is given to the need for policy development and changes in both agency procedures and practice perspectives in order to promote a suitable response to the problem.

Dealing with a client's sexual problems and experiences demands honesty and openness, yet in a study of probation officers' training needs the authors found officers were unable to deal professionally with such experiences. Typically, officers retreated into strategies of avoidance, neglect and frustrated communication.

Anita Gibbs, former Probation Officer, now a research student at University of Bristol, examines the benefits and disadvantages for probation service users who become involved as volunteers with projects in formal partnership with the Service, and suggests that whilst users gain voice, choice and control, their probation officers experience a corresponding loss of personal relationship.

After 4½ years as Head of the Probation Division at the Home Office, Philippa Drew has recently moved on to a senior position in the Prison Service. Probation Journal invited her to share some parting thoughts on the state of the Probation Service. Because the text of that invitation provided her with no small impetus, it is published alongside her response and we are glad that it served its intended purpose in provoking a combative reaction.

Abstract: Probation committees are the statutory employers of all probation staff and have a responsiblity for the efficient running of area probation services. In this article the role of probation committees is investigated through detailed interviews with probation committee members and chief probation officers. It is argued that while the Home Office and probation professional associations have attempted to develop within probation areas notions of systematic management, which include the initiation, development and implementation of policy, the role of probation committee members has been neglected. The assumptions magistrate members of committees bring to their consideration of policy are of particular importance. The implication of these assumptions for race issues and crime prevention policies is analysed.