Community Work and the Probation Service: Team Perceptions (From Enquiries Into Community Probation Work, P 29-39, 1988, Bob Broad, ed. -- See NCJ-124123)

• NCJ Number: 124126
• Author(s): P Henderson
• Date Published: 1988
• Length: 11 pages
• Sale Source: Cranfield Press
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom

Annotation

Information from the members of eight probation teams in Great Britain formed the basis of a description of their opinions of community probation work and the role of their supervisors.

Abstract

Three teams were openly divided between staff who were strongly committed to the development of community work and those who were explicitly opposed to it. One team's members did not have strong views on community work, and four teams showed a high degree of unity in their support of community work. Reasons for doubts about community work included concerns about inadequate resources, lack of understanding, and beliefs that other efforts should receive higher priority. Those strongly supporting community work noted that it provides accessibility, closer relationships with clients, understanding of clients' living and working environments, improved crime prevention, and familiarity with community resources. Major issues raised included time and workload constraints, staff support and training mechanisms, the appropriate role of the senior probation officer, and policy development. Note and 3 references.