NCJ Number
88503
Journal
Kriminologisches Journal Volume: 14 Issue: 3 Dated: (1982) Pages: 215-221
Date Published
1982
Length
7 pages
Annotation
An innovative group approach has been practiced by the probation service in West Berlin since 1974.
Abstract
The program groups probationers according to common needs, difficulties, and interests and provides problem-oriented group counseling instead of the traditional one-to-one relationship between probation workers and their clients. The programming was originally conceived with social and recreational emphasis, but soon evolved an orientation geared to seeking solutions to specific problems, particularly unemployment. Its principal advantages are that it alleviates probation officers' overburdened casework loads and helps meet probationers' practical needs, while counteracting their social isolation through the peer group setting. To qualify, probationers must be free of alcoholism or drug problems and willing to submit to the discipline established by the group and its two counselors. Clients select their field of interest and are encouraged to participate in skills training courses in addition to the probation services' group sessions. Due to the expanding involvement of probation officers with group counseling, a professional group has been established that promotes the nationwide exchange of strategies and insights into this type of resocialization work. A table and 17 references are given.