Reimagining Probation Practice

As countries world-wide focus on ways to reform various aspects their criminal justice systems, most are focusing on tweaking existing systems rather than considering what can and should occur. Reimaging Probation offers such an approach to English and Welsh Probation Services. By combining academic and practitioner perspectives, each chapter offers a critique of current approaches with recommendations for rethinking probation services that focus on the individuals rather than impersonal risk assessments. Rita Shah, Associate Professor of Criminology, Eastern Michigan University A book constructed by such an impressive line-up of editors raises expectations of originality, critical analysis, realistic idealism and progressive thinking, and it will not disappoint. The editors, by bringing together practitioners and academics to prepare the ground for a renewal of probation as an instrument for rehabilitative endeavour in its reimagined forms, have produced what is likely to become a landmark publication in its field. Maurice Vanstone, Emeritus Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Swansea University Reimagining Probation Practice is an important text that is published at just the right time, as probation in England and Wales undergoes further significant transformation. One of the unique features of this book is the fact that the chapters are written collaboratively between probation practitioners and academics. The professional voice of probation shines through in the contributions that invite us to creatively reimagine practice. Sonia Flynn CBE, Chief Probation Officer, Ministry of Justice The changes involved in the emerging new structure for probation in Britain represent a unique watershed moment to reimagine and refocus probation practice there. The authors of this book, which could not be more timely, have seen and seized that moment and produced an optimistic vision through which to explore the emerging 'windows of opportunity,' not only to reimagine but to help reshape, renew and rebuild probation practice for the better. This exciting vision is created and developed through building on previous studies and pairing academic researchers with practitioners, in a uniquely helpful thematic approach and structure, all of which combine to realise what is a huge gift to the probation community in the widest sense. Vivian Geiran, Adjunct Assistant Professor, School of Social Work & Social Policy, Trinity College Dublin and former Director, Irish Probation Service As probation emerges from the ravages of Transforming Rehabilitation, this book arrives, instilling hope for its future and the possibilities for practice. But it is also heartening that it is so grounded in reality with each chapter co-produced by a creative pairing of practitioner and academic. Without question, Re-imagining Probation Practice will become essential reading for new and long-established probation officers - and for all, like me, involved in training. Anne Robinson, Head of Community Justice Learning, Sheffield Hallam University