Open AccessSeeing and believing: Observing desistance-focused practice and enduring values in the National Probation Service
Author(s) -
Sam Ainslie
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
probation journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.77
H-Index - 31
eISSN - 1741-3079
pISSN - 0264-5505
DOI - 10.1177/02645505211005031
Subject(s) - context (archaeology) , enabling , instrumentalism , triangulation , psychology , sociology , public relations , political science , psychotherapist , paleontology , philosophy , cartography , epistemology , biology , geography
This article focuses on the feasibility of using a desistance-focused approach in the National Probation Service (NPS) in the post-Transforming Rehabilitation (TR) context. Findings are drawn from an exploratory study undertaken in one NPS Division, which used triangulation of three data collection methods: observations of one-to-one supervision sessions, documentary analysis and practitioner focus groups. Findings show that practitioners use elements of a desistance-focused approach, although not exclusively. Values based upon belief in the capacity to change and the need to offer support endure, despite mass organisational upheaval. The article concludes by suggesting that this ‘enduring habitus’ of probation could be an enabler for a desistance-focused approach but instrumentalism in policy and practice is a significant barrier.