Delivering desistance-focused probation in community hubs: Five key ingredients. (September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Phillips, Jake; Albertson, Kathy; Collinson, Beth; Fowler, Andrew
• Is Part Of: Probation journal. Volume 67:Number 3(2020)
• Page Start: 264
• Page End: 282
• Publication Date: 2020-09
• Subjects: community hubs -- community justice -- desistance -- probation policy; Probation -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; 364.6305
• DOI: 10.1177/0264550520939176
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-5505

Abstract

This article argues that probation is well placed to facilitate desistance when delivered in community hubs – community-based offices where probation services are co-located with other community-based provision. However, we highlight that hubs need to include certain key factors to maximise the potential for desistance. Using data collected through a piece of empirical research in six community hubs in England and Wales, we identify what factors make for a 'good' community hub as perceived by staff who work in them, those subject to supervision via a hub, and managers with strategic responsibility for commissioning hub services. We consider what it is about those factors which facilitate desistance-focused practice as outlined in McNeill et al.'s (2012) eight principles of desistance-focused practice. The five key factors identified in this study are the location of a hub, the hub's physical environment, the extent to which services are co-located/produced, the cultural context of the hub, and the need for leaders to be innovative in the way services are commissioned. The article concludes with a discussion of the implications for the National Probation Service as it takes over the work of Community Rehabilitation Companies in the coming years.