The use of Mental Health Treatment Requirements

Simultaneous prediction of punitive and rehabilitation-oriented attitudes towards probation: An ecological approach

The concepts punitiveness and rehabilitation orientation in the general public are generally measured by rather broad attitude items that are not directly related to probation. In this study, two separate attitude scales were used that were tailor-made for the probation context and therefore have a high ecological validity. These ‘ecological scales’ were each analysed with the same predictor set. Cognitive emotive variables showed incremental prediction above demographics. Higher knowledge of probation and more satisfaction with society are related to a higher preference for rehabilitation. Less knowledge of probation and a higher feeling of victimization are related to a more punitive attitude.

‘Stop a minute’: Making space for thinking in practice

This article draws on the content of four linked seminars in a series entitled ‘Thinking in Practice: Ensuring quality in the supervision of offenders in the community’ which offered practitioners and managers from probation and youth justice services some ‘reflective space’ to critically engage with current knowledge and research around a range of topics including risk assessment tools, compliance and desistance theory, responsivity in supervision (offenders and staff), and the future shape of offender management provision. The series valued not only knowledge derived from research and theory, but also the exercise of professional judgement developed through experience and reflection. This account of contributions from speakers and subsequent discussions highlights the dangers of over prescriptive and simplified solutions to complex problems, and a consequent diminution of professional confidence in using judgement. It also suggests that there is the potential for practice to develop in positive directions, ones that will engage the enthusiasm and optimism of both practitioners and managers. The centrality of making space for ‘thinking in practice’ is reaffirmed.

Book Review: Where Next for Criminal Justice?

Book Review: Probation Practice and the New Penology: Practitioner Reflections

Book Review: Probation Practice and the New Penology: Practitioner Reflections

Simultaneous prediction of punitive and rehabilitation-oriented attitudes towards probation: An ecological approach

The concepts punitiveness and rehabilitation orientation in the general public are generally measured by rather broad attitude items that are not directly related to probation. In this study, two separate attitude scales were used that were tailor-made for the probation context and therefore have a high ecological validity. These ‘ecological scales’ were each analysed with the same predictor set. Cognitive emotive variables showed incremental prediction above demographics. Higher knowledge of probation and more satisfaction with society are related to a higher preference for rehabilitation. Less knowledge of probation and a higher feeling of victimization are related to a more punitive attitude.

Transition arrangements for youth offenders

Book Review: Probation: Working with Offenders

How multi-agency are Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Committees?

This article reports on the observations of a combined level 2 and 3 Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Committee (MARAC) over a 12 month period. It considers agency representation and discusses this in respect to attendance and the nature of relationships between representatives. The key findings are structured around the experiences of three identifiable groups of panel members and leads to a discussion of how the status of agencies and the informal roles adopted by the different members are defined by power relationships based on possession of knowledge. These relationships reflect cultural traditions in working with high risk offenders, but are also shaped by statutory responsibilities placed on different agencies within the MARAC forum.

Next Page »