PROBATION SERVICE AS THE TASK OF EMPIRICAL RESEARCH - A PROVISIONAL OUTCOME

• NCJ Number: 56792
• Journal: DEUTSCHE BEWAEHRUNGSHILFE Volume: 26 Issue: 1 Dated: (1979) Pages: 61-84
• Author(s): H KURY; C H SHIREMAN; H WETZSTEIN
• Date Published: 1979
• Length: 24 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: German
• Country: West Germany (Former)

Annotation

DIRECTIONS IN LITERATURE ON VARIOUS ASPECTS OF PROBATION WORK, ESPECIALLY IN WEST GERMANY AND THE UNITED STATES, ARE REVIEWED.

Abstract

THE IMPORTANCE OF PROBATION WORK HAS GROWN ENORMOUSLY WITH THE TREND TO IMPOSITION OF PENALTIES OTHER THAN IMPRISONMENT, PARTICULARLY IN THE CASE OF JUVENILES OR YOUNG ADULTS. THE CONFLICT FOR PROBATION OFFICERS BETWEEN RESOCIALIZATION AND CONTROL OF PROBATIONERS DEMANDS RESOLUTION, POSSIBLY THROUGH REDUCTION OF CONTROL FUNCTIONS. THE PRINCIPLE PROBLEM OF PROBATION OFFICER TRAINING IS DEVELOPING A SYSTEM WHICH INTRODUCES PROBATION OFFICERS TO THEORIES OF CASE AND GROUP WORK WHILE SHOWING THEM REALISTIC PRACTICAL SITUATIONS; IMPROVEMENTS OF BASIC EDUCATION, CONTINUING INSERVICE EDUCATION, AND EXPERT SUPERVISION OF OFFICERS ARE REQUIRED. SPECIALIZED FUNCTIONS TO BE EXPLORED ARE SUPERVISION OF SOCIAL WORKERS, PLANNING OF SOCIAL SERVICES IN THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT, AND THE ROLE OF HONORARY PROBATION OFFICERS. ANGLO-AMERICAN REHABILITATION RESEARCH FOCUSES ON THE INTENSIVE TREATMENT OF PROBATIONERS BY REDUCTION OF PROBATION OFFICER CASE LOADS, TREATMENT GEARED TO THE PARTICULAR SITUATION, GUIDED GROUP INTERACTION SESSIONS FOR OFFENDERS, AND SPECIAL PROJECTS SUCH AS THE LOS ANGELES REDUCTION OF DELINQUENCIES THROUGH EXPANSION OF OPPORTUNITIES PROGRAM, CHICAGO PROBATION OFFICER CASE AID, AND A MASSACHUSETTS INTENSIVE PSYCHOTHERAPY PROGRAM. THE MYRIAD OF METHODS REQUIRE FURTHER RESEARCH TO DETERMINE WHICH ARE EFFECTIVE; THE RESULTS OF ANY ONE METHOD ARE LIMITED BECAUSE EACH TECHNIQUE IS ONLY EFFECTIVE IN CERTAIN CASES. IN ADDITION, KNOWLEDGE OF WHICH CONDITIONS AND CRIMINAL CHARACTERISTICS DEMANDING A CERTAIN TREATMENT METHOD IS INADEQUATE. RESEARCH MUST THEREFORE EXACTLY DESCRIBE TREATMENT PROGRAMS AND PROBATIONER GROUPS, USE CONTROL GROUPS, DEFINE SUCCESS CRITERIA, AND EXAMINE ENVIRONMENTAL INFLUENCES; (E.G., PEER GROUPS) ON REHABILITATION. AN EXTENSIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY IS SUPPLIED. --IN GERMAN (KMD)