NCJ Number
54766
Journal
International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology Volume: 20 Issue: 1 Dated: (1976) Pages: 82-85
Date Published
1976
Length
4 pages
Annotation
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND'S PROBATION SERVICE IS DESCRIBED, AND ITS PLEA FOR A GREATER UNDERSTANDING OF IMMIGRANT OFFENDERS IS OFFERED.
Abstract
MANY TOWNS AND CITIES IN ENGLAND ARE EXPERIENCING AN INCREASED INFLUX OF IMMIGRANTS, AND WITH THESE IMMIGRANTS OFTEN COME PROBLEMS. THE PROBATION AND AFTERCARE SERVICE IN BIRMINGHAM PROVIDES DIAGNOSTIC SERVICE TO THE COURTS, CASEWORK SERVICE, AND MATRIMONIAL CONCILIATION SERVICES. THE SPECIAL PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED BY IMMIGRANTS ADJUSTING TO A NEW CULTURE ARE RECOGNIZED BY THE PROBATION SERVICE, AND SEVERAL OF THE PROBATION OFFICERS IN THE DEPARTMENT ARE IMMIGRANTS THEMSELVES. THE USE OF SUCH IMMIGRANTS IN THE PROGRAM IS THOUGHT TO INCREASE THE UNDERSTANDING OF THE PROBLEMS OF IMMIGRANT OFFENDERS. IN ADDITION, THE BIRMINGHAM PROBATION SERVICE USES VOLUNTEERS WHO MEET REGULARLY WITH IMMIGRANTS TO BRING IMMIGRANT PROBLEMS OUT INTO THE OPEN. OFTEN THESE VOLUNTEERS ARE IMMIGRANTS THEMSELVES. THE SPECIFIC PROBLEMS IN BIRMINGHAM ARE THE MANY HOMELESS, DRIFTING OFFENDERS, AND EFFORTS AT IMPROVED UNDERSTANDING OF IMMIGRANTS HAVE BEEN LAUNCHED. IN LOCAL PRISON, PROBATION OFFICERS MEET WITH IMMIGRANTS AND DISCUSS MUTUAL PROBLEMS AND THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE IMMIGRANTS' COUNTRIES AND THE ENGLISH COMMUNITY. VISITORS FROM DIFFERENT ETHNIC COMMUNITIES, CLERGY, PRISON STAFF, STUDENTS, AND OTHERS HAVE PERIODICALLY JOINED THE GROUP. ANOTHER PROMISING MOVE HAS BEEN THE FORMATION OF AN INTERDISCIPLINARY BODY TO INVESTIGATE THE PROBLEMS OF NONATTENDANCE AT SCHOOL. THIS BODY IS COMPRISED OF TEACHERS, SOCIAL WORKERS AND PROBATION OFFICERS. ENGLISH CASEWORK IS VIEWED AS AN IMPORTANT TOOL IN DEALING WITH IMMIGRANT OFFENDERS. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED -- MLC)