Case supervision
Inspectors assess the quality of case supervision by reviewing the case sample in accordance with the ASPIRE process:
- Assessment
- Sentence Planning
- Implementation
- Review
- Evaluate.
A significant element of HM Inspectorate of Probation’s work is to assure that practice in case supervision, through the lenses of engagement, desistance, keeping children safe and keeping other people safe, is effective and firmly grounded in the best available evidence and learning.
Engagement is a central tenant when working with children and people on probation
“take time to get to know us and understand us.”
– Anon, child working with youth justice services
“My officer said to me once ‘probation is not just about punishment, let us help you change your life for the better’. This made me think differently about probation.”
– Anon, person on probation
Desistance is the process of abstaining from crime by those with a previous pattern of offending. Desistance is often described as a journey, influenced by someone’s circumstances, the way they think, and what is important to them. It is an ongoing process and often involves some false stops and starts – it can take considerable time to change entrenched behaviours and the underlying problems.
“Help us get to move on to the next stage – like job and college interviews.”
– Anon, child working with youth justice services
“It’s hard when somebody has offended but most people do have skills and strengths that can help them to change”.
– Anon, person on probation
Keeping children safe is fundamental to practice is to keep children safe and ensure their wellbeing. Risks to the safety and wellbeing of the child may come from external sources or may relate to their behaviour.
Examples of external sources of safety and wellbeing concerns include discrimination, familial abuse or neglect, exploitation by older or more sophisticated offenders, sexual exploitation or bullying.
Internal sources of safety and wellbeing concerns could include mental or physical health, substance misuse, risk-taking behaviour or a low sense of self-worth.
This should also consider the impact of the child’s own behaviour on their safety and wellbeing; including identifying any physical or mental health concerns, missing from home episodes, substance misuse or risk-taking behaviour that may place them at risk.
“Help us find places to go where we can feel comfortable and safe.”
– Anon, child working with youth justice services
Keeping people safe is a fundamental expectation, which forms part of the core objectives of the work of probation and youth offending services. At its core, keeping people safe is about public protection and assessing and managing safety to protect both known and potential future victims.
“Children and young people need more supervision in their communities – encourage us to build positive relationships help us find good interesting things we like doing together.”
– Anon, child working with youth justice services
“It is the job of probation to be curious and a bit nosey, especially with domestic abuse and the safety of children. Although it can feel intrusive from the service user’s point of view, it is needed.”
– Anon, person on probation
