NCJ Number
177086
Editor(s)
Renaud Ville,
Ugljesa Zvekic,
Jon F. Klaus
Date Published
1997
Length
259 pages
Annotation
This report presents the papers and proceedings of the 1997 International Training Workshop on Probation; the objective of the workshop was to promote probation as a credible and effective alternative to imprisonment.
Abstract
The workshop strategy for achieving this objective was to increase the exchange of information; improve contacts at the international, regional, national, and local levels; prepare a handbook of guidelines for probation practitioners and managers; examine the possibility of establishing an international website as well as the potential for an International Probation Association; and by furthering training, technical cooperation, and research on the international plane. The workshop was attended by some 60 people representing just over 30 countries. Welcoming and introductory papers focused on the importance of probation as a community-based alternative to imprisonment. Keynote addresses considered international trends in noncustodial sanctions, probation developments from an international perspective, and the appropriate use of knowledge transfer in the development of probation. Each workshop session was proceeded by a paper followed by the development of working-group reports on various topics. In session one, working-group reports focused on types of supervision and what is effective, community-based offender programs, and the use of volunteers. The working-group reports for session two examined training, risk assessment, and performance indicators and minimum standards. Session three working-group reports addressed probation practice and the culture as well as the political dimension of introducing and revitalizing probation. Other reports considered knowledge transfer and international cooperation; probation, law enforcement, and social welfare; the handbook on guidelines for probation practitioners and managers; European standards for community sanctions and measures; and the Permanent European Conference on Probation and Aftercare. Appendixes contain examples of probation activities in the United Kingdom.