ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces what might be seen as the main work of probation, the supervision of offenders in the community. It considers the emergence of cognitive-behavioural approaches to practice. The chapter discusses the extent to which the probation and prison programmes developed as part of the 'what works' project have been evaluated and deemed successful. It also considers the (re-)emergence of confidence that there are effective ways of working with offenders. The chapter examines the critical importance of relationships for probation practice. Relationships built on trust and mutual respect are necessary for effective practice – for the outcomes of probation. C. Knight emphasises the value of emotional literacy in probation practice. Probation's inability to demonstrate its effectiveness in reducing reoffending led some officers to repudiate treatment and to focus on very practical forms of assistance, including advice about accommodation, employment and welfare rights.
