ABSTRACT
The RNR model was constructed around the idea that ‘offenders’ are different people to ‘us’: they have deficits in a wide range of areas, they show no interest in pro-social activities (family and work), they have antisocial traits, and so on. But all assisted-desisters also said that their probation officers helped them reframe their self-narratives in order to reconnect with their strengths and to see their potential as a unique human being. At the beginning of their community sanctions, many judiciarised persons are relieved they did not end up in prison or see it as an opportunity to do ‘something different’ and can express hope that it will finally change. Rapidly, they find themselves in a critical phase and face so many obstacles that it will be more difficult to stay optimists.
