Phillipa Evans

An analysis of supervision skills in youth probation

This article examines the content of supervision sessions between probation officers and their clients and the extent to which supervisors make use of effective practice skills. It summarises the literature which suggests that when probation officers use particular skills, those under their supervision are likely to have lower recidivism rates than the clients of probation officers who do not use these skills. It discusses the few studies which have directly considered the extent to which probation officers make use of effective practice skills. It then outlines a research project which involved personal observation of 119 interviews between youth probation officers and their clients in Juvenile Justice in NSW with a view to identifying the content of interviews and the extent to which probation officers used effective practice skills. The findings suggest that probation officers are strong on relationship and pro-social modelling skills but make less use of role clarification, problem solving and cognitive behavioural skills. The implications of this are discussed.

Good Practice in Community-based Supervision of Aboriginal Youth Offenders

Abstract While it has been recognised for some time that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people are significantly over-represented among youth justice populations, there is a dearth of research examining the elements of effective supervision for this group. This article presents the initial findings of a research project based on a partnership between Monash University and Juvenile Justice, New South Wales. Two focus groups were conducted, the first with five members and the second with six members of the Juvenile Justice Aboriginal Strategic Advisory Committee, with a view to identifying elements of good practice in the supervision of Aboriginal youth justice clients. A set of good practice principles was developed, which encompassed five main themes: culturally-informed communication, valuing Aboriginal knowledge, the importance of the working relationship, the significance of family, and highlighting strengths and achievements.

The Effectiveness of Challenging Skills in Work With Young Offenders

Probation officers and others who work with young offenders often challenge or confront their clients in relation to pro-criminal comments and criminal behaviour. There is, however, very little research that can inform practitioners about which forms of challenging most effectively engage young people. This study examines the use of challenging by youth justice workers in New South Wales, Australia. Researchers observed and audiotaped 116 interviews between youth justice workers and their clients with a view to examining the nature of challenging used by workers and the response of young people to different forms of challenging. Qualitative and quantitative findings indicate that the clients were more positively engaged by, and responsive to, challenging that was exploratory, non-blaming, and accompanied by positive reinforcement of their strengths. Excerpts taken from the interviews provide examples of high- and low-level use of the skill of challenging.