Offenders in focus
Risk, responsivity and diversity
By Kathryn Farrow, Gill Kelly and Bernadette Wilkinson
Published
Jul 11, 2007Page count
280 pagesISBN
978-1861347862Dimensions
234 x 156 mmImprint
Policy PressPublished
Jul 11, 2007Page count
280 pagesISBN
978-1861347879Dimensions
234 x 156 mmImprint
Policy Press
Offenders in focus
A great deal has been written about developing effective practice against a backdrop of rapid change in criminal justice services. Much of this is research-oriented and not always accessible to practitioners in their day-to-day work. This book changes that.
Drawing on research and integrating this with practitioner experience, the book creates fresh, research-based 'practice wisdom' for engaging effectively with offenders. It explores issues of risk, responsivity and diversity in the context of work with specific offender and offending behaviour groups as a means to highlight those skills and understandings which can be used across the wider range of work environments. The authors break down complex ideas to enable practical application, and each chapter includes questions for reflection and practice development.
With its accessible style, balancing academic rigour with clear pointers to best practice, this book will interest everyone working face to face with offenders. It recognises that there are no instant solutions to changing offending behaviour but provides a practice text that will encourage a sense of competence and confidence, enhancing readers' skill and enthusiasm when working with a broad spectrum of offenders.
"This book was well set out and easy to follow - in an increasing 'risk' society - the range of appropriate issues are considered.This book will prove to be useful for a number of modules on the course." Charlotte Fletcher-Morgan, Nottingham Trent University
"This book should dominate probation training for a generation, and it should be read by all serving probation officers, whose jaded faith in what their academic colleagues do will indubitably be restored." Mike Nellis, Professor of Criminal and Community Justice, University of Strathclyde
The authors, all trained probation officers, worked for many years as practitioners and team managers. Kathryn Farrow works at the University of Birmingham, teaching and researching into anti-social behaviour and crime reduction. Gillian Kelly and Bernadette Wilkinson run KWP, a training consultancy designing and delivering training for, amongst others, the Youth Justice Board and The National Offender Management Service.
Introduction; Part one: Context: The changing face of practice; Key concepts; Part two: Diversity: Women offenders; Young people who offend; 'Race' and culture; Part three: Responsivity: Mental disorder; Substance misuse; Basic skills; Part four: Risk: Violent offenders; Property offenders; Part five: Evaluating and ending well; Return to concepts.
