NCJ Number
158771
Date Published
1993
Length
17 pages
Annotation
The author's experience with living and working in a probation and bail hostel in Bristol, England, forms the basis of this discussion of the hostel, its residents, and its program.
Abstract
Established 10 years ago, the hostel provides an alternative to a custodial sentence as well as a residential facility for people on bail. It aims to prepare residents to leave the hostel at the end of their period of residence in a planned and purposeful manner. The hostel consists of five houses with 19 beds for male probationers ages 21 and over, two bail beds for women, and eight beds for male bailees ages 17 and over. It has a staff of seven social work staff, one clerical worker, one cook/housekeeper, one assistant cook, and two part-time cleaners. Residents include long-term residents, including some bailees, and short-term residents. They are predominantly white and male. Because of control issues, the staff tends to present a united front to residents regarding activities and decisions. The group work includes an open induction group that focuses on six topics such as relationships and addiction and informal groupings at meals and at other times. The triple assumption of white, male, heterosexual superiority is sometimes problematic with respect to menu choices and other areas.