Divided by a Common Language: British and American Probation Cultures

• NCJ Number: 139810
• Journal: Federal Probation, B 56 Issue: 3 Dated: (September 1992) Pages: 3-11
• Author(s): T R Clear; J Rumgay
• Date Published: 1992
• Length: 9 pages
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This exploratory comparison of the conceptual traditions of British and American probation systems focuses on identifying the differences between the systems and describing their importance.

Abstract

A comparison of British and American probation systems on the basis of the dimensions of unity versus fragmentation and client centeredness versus client ambivalence reveals fundamental differences in their structures, traditions, and perspectives. The British probation systems are unified in organization, legislation, and identity. They are based on a theory of offender supervision that is rooted in social work and that emphasizes voluntarism and encourages practitioner innovations in supervision methods. In contrast, American probation systems are highly fragmented legally, politically, functionally, and financially. They lack a traditional identity and have increasingly adopted coercive and managerial supervision strategies. Significant lessons can be derived from an understanding of these differences. 53 references