NCJ Number
52848
Journal
Probation Journal Volume: 24 Issue: 2 Dated: (JUNE 1977) Pages: 54-60
Date Published
1977
Length
0 pages
Annotation
PROBATION OFFICERS ARE URGED TO DEVELOP BEYOND THE CASE WORK APPROACH AND TO TRY NEW WAYS OF DEALING WITH YOUNG PEOPLE IN THEIR CARE. DAY CENTERS, YOUTH CLUBS, AND DETACHED PROBATION OFFICERS ARE CITED AS EXAMPLES.
Abstract
IT IS ARGUED THAT TRADITIONAL CASEWORK SERVICES DO NOT MEET THE NEEDS OF MANY OF THE OFFENDERS OR POTENTIAL OFFENDERS SEEN BY THE PROBATION SERVICE OF GREAT BRITAIN. COOPERATION WITH OTHERS INTERESTED IN YOUTH SERVICES AND INNOVATIVE APPROACHES ARE URGED. DAY CENTERS ARE SEEN AS WAYS OF MEETING THE NEEDS OF ISOLATED, DEPRESSED INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE TROUBLE RELATING TO OTHERS. SUCH A CENTER ESTABLISHED WITHIN THE PAROLE OFFICE IS SEEN AS A POSSIBLE BASIS FOR A THERAPY GROUP. YOUTH CLUBS ARE ALSO SEEN AS A MEANS OF GETTING AWAY FROM THE RIGIDITY OF THE OFFICE SITUATION AND BROADENING THE TREATMENT APPROACH. SUCH CENTERS ALLOW THE PROBATION OFFICER TO DEAL WITH YOUNG OFFENDERS IN A SOCIAL SITUATION MORE LIKE THE SETTING WHICH GENERATED THE DELINQUENCY. THE DETACHED PROBATION OFFICER WORKS THE STREETS, GENERALLY AT NIGHT AND ON WEEKENDS, COUNSELING THOSE KNOWN TO THE POLICE AND ALSO HELPING THOSE WHO HAVE NOT YET BECOME OFFENDERS. THE ACTIVITIES OF A YOUTH WORKER OF THIS TYPE ARE DESCRIBED. THE FINAL SECTION URGES PROBATION AGENCIES TO OVERCOME THE TRADITIONALISM WHICH HINDERS INNOVATION. (GLR)