NCJ Number
68791
Journal
International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology Volume: 23 Issue: 3 Dated: (1979) Pages: 249-252
Date Published
1979
Length
4 pages
Annotation
BRITAIN'S NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PROBATION OFFICERS DEVOTES FROM ONE-THIRD TO ONE-HALF OF ITS PROFESSIONAL ENERGIES TO 'THROUGH-CARE' WORK, INCLUDING IMMEDIATE POSTSENTENCING INTERVIEWS AND PRISON VISITS.
Abstract
THE PROBATION OFFICER RESPONSIBLE FOR SUPERVISION OR A COURT DUTY OFFICER HELPS OFFENDERS JUST CONVICTED TO IMPRISONMENT TO FOCUS ON IMMEDIATE NEEDS, INCLUDING THEIR FAMILIES' NEEDS. ARRANGEMENTS ARE MADE FOR TAKING CARE OF THE OFFENDERS' AFFAIRS. A NOTE OF THE INTERVIEW IS KEPT ON FILE AT THE PENAL ESTABLISHMENT. THE PROBATION OFFICER THEN KEEPS A FOOTHOLD IN THE INSTITUTIONAL SYSTEM, MONITORING THE OFFENDERS' RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHER INMATES OR WITH THE STAFF, OR THEIR WITHDRAWAL OR EMOTIONAL PROBLEMS. THE PROBATION OFFICER KEEPS IN TOUCH WITH THE OFFENDERS BY TALKING AND VISITING THEM. THE TRAUMA OF ANY CUSTODIAL EXPERIENCE MAY INVOLVE INDIVIDUALS IN A PAINFUL READJUSTMENT PROCESS. INDIVIDUALS' PERCEPTIONS OF EXPECTED OR REQUIRED SOCIAL ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES UPON DISCHARGE WILL BE DETERMINED BY SEVERAL FACTORS, INCLUDING THE EXTENT TO WHICH PAST SOCIAL LINKS WERE MAINTAINED DURING IMPRISONMENT. RELEASE ALSO PRESENTS THE OFFENDER WITH A WHOLE NEW SET OF PROBLEMS, WHERE FAMILY SITUATIONS HAVE CHANGED AND JOBS MUST BE FOUND. VOLUNTARY ASSOCIATES CAN FORM A LINK FOR THE PRISONER WITH THE OUTSIDE WORLD AND IN THEIR HOME AREA, THEIR SPONTANEOUS CARE AND CONCERN NURTURED AND CHANNELED BY PROBATION OFFICERS. COMMON HUMANITY DEMANDS THAT REASONABLE EFFORTS BE EXPENDED IN THE RESETTLEMENT OF OFFENDERS.