The impact of skills in probation work: A reconviction study. (April 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Raynor, Peter; Ugwudike, Pamela; Vanstone, Maurice
• Is Part Of: Criminology & criminal justice. Volume 14:Number 2(2014)
• Page Start: 235
• Page End: 249
• Publication Date: 2014-04
• Subjects: Core correctional practices -- effectiveness of probation -- practitioner skills -- rehabilitation; Criminology -- Periodicals; Criminal justice, Administration of -- Periodicals; 364.05
• DOI: 10.1177/1748895813494869
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1748-8958

Abstract

This article reports on the results of a quasi-experimental study of practitioners' skills in probation work. Videotaped interviews were produced by a group of probation officers and analysed by researchers using a checklist designed to identify the range of skills used in one-to-one supervision. Reconviction rates were found to be significantly lower among those whose supervisors were assessed as using a wider range of skills. The article also reviews the recent history of research on practitioners' skills in probation, and considers the implications of positive findings from this and other studies.