ABSTRACT
As 'clients', black people are more likely to be responded to as 'problems' who need to be controlled rather than assisted to take control of their lives. Hence, their experiences of professionals within the criminal justice system remain oppressive. In probation, these workers' efforts can be limited to ensuring that the minimal reporting conditions under National Standards are complied with, rather than engaging in more supportive forms of interaction which recognise the offender as a person who must be responded to with respect and dignity while having his or her access to welfare resources facilitated.
