Restoring probation: A declaration of independence. (September 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Priestley, Philip; Vanstone, Maurice
• Is Part Of: Probation journal. Volume 66:Number 3(2019)
• Page Start: 335
• Page End: 347
• Publication Date: 2019-09
• Subjects: evidence-based practice -- practice skills -- practitioner qualities -- probation -- public service -- re-nationalisation -- values; Probation -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; 364.6305
• DOI: 10.1177/0264550519863485
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-5505

Abstract

In light of the 2019 announcement by the then Secretary of State for Justice, David Gauke, that the probation service is to be re-nationalised, this paper reflects on what forms a more radical restoration might take. In essence, the paper makes a case for probation to be re-constituted as a moral enterprise; an independent agency based in the community, staffed by skilled and idealistic but pragmatic practitioners and managers, and informed by evidence of what is most likely to help people lead offence-free lives.