NCJ Number
161179
Date Published
1996
Length
24 pages
Annotation
The training of probation officers in England and Wales is examined, with emphasis on developments since 1971, the relationship of probation training with more general social work training, and the future of probation training.
Abstract
In 1971, the newly formed Central Council for Education and Training in Social Work (CCETSW) took over the responsibility of the training of probation officers in England and Wales from the Home Office and incorporated it within the broader context of general social work training at universities and other institutions. During the same period, the concept of punishment in the community was the subject of debate, and the government tried push the probation service into a more controlling stance toward offenders and away from a concern with their welfare and rehabilitation. Since then, reviews, discussions, and changes in training and training requirements have focused on the need for coursework directly related to the role of the probation officer, the issue of professional autonomy, the contradictions between the goals of welfare and control, and other issues. Although the collapse of the probation training structures established in 1971 was overdue and perhaps inevitable, it is not yet clear whether the structures that replace them will prove better or worse. However, a form of training that promotes intellectual independence in general and criminological sophistication in particular would be beneficial. 93 references