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Skills, knowledge, values and relationship quality in effective probation practice
Author
Teo, Yik Hon Ben
Supervisor
Wong, Isabella Yuen Fun
Abstract
This study was conceived as a result of the emphasis and importance placed on the need for probation officers to develop their capabilities for the effective rehabilitation of offenders in the contemporary context. Relatively little however has been said about the professional competencies that probation officers should possess, or about the nature of the relationships between probation officers and offenders for effective probation practice. The primary focus of this unique study was to develop an understanding of probation officers‟ views about the skills, knowledge, and values important for effective probation work. A secondary aim of the study was to examine the nature of relationship-quality in probation settings.
A total of 63 probation officers from Probation Services Branch of the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports in Singapore formed the sample group of this unique study. The probation officers provided demographic information and completed a self-report survey on their subjective perceptions of importance and confidence on professional skills, knowledge and values. The research also involved the probation officers in the completion of the revised Dual Role Relationship Inventory (DRI-R). Focus group interviews were conducted to further explore the complexity surrounding probation officer practice.
Results indicated that probation officers perceived skills in interpersonal communication, and skills related to risk and needs assessment as being the most important. In terms of knowledge, the principles of rehabilitation and case supervision were reported as most important areas in order to be effective. Probation officers also operated within the belief that offenders are capable of changing themselves and should be empowered to make informed decisions for themselves. In terms of relationship quality, the DRI-R scores revealed that probation officers preferred to adopt a hybrid “firm but fair” style which was marked by caring, trust, fairness, than a “surveillance approach” which was marked by an authoritarian style.
The findings of this study were interpreted and discussed in terms of professional practice implications and probation officer development policies. These include the importance of honing probation officer‟ competencies through evidence-based practices, such as the motivational interviewing approaches, within a broad context of pro-social modelling programme, for effective probation practice. Suggestions were made for future research.
A total of 63 probation officers from Probation Services Branch of the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports in Singapore formed the sample group of this unique study. The probation officers provided demographic information and completed a self-report survey on their subjective perceptions of importance and confidence on professional skills, knowledge and values. The research also involved the probation officers in the completion of the revised Dual Role Relationship Inventory (DRI-R). Focus group interviews were conducted to further explore the complexity surrounding probation officer practice.
Results indicated that probation officers perceived skills in interpersonal communication, and skills related to risk and needs assessment as being the most important. In terms of knowledge, the principles of rehabilitation and case supervision were reported as most important areas in order to be effective. Probation officers also operated within the belief that offenders are capable of changing themselves and should be empowered to make informed decisions for themselves. In terms of relationship quality, the DRI-R scores revealed that probation officers preferred to adopt a hybrid “firm but fair” style which was marked by caring, trust, fairness, than a “surveillance approach” which was marked by an authoritarian style.
The findings of this study were interpreted and discussed in terms of professional practice implications and probation officer development policies. These include the importance of honing probation officer‟ competencies through evidence-based practices, such as the motivational interviewing approaches, within a broad context of pro-social modelling programme, for effective probation practice. Suggestions were made for future research.
Date Issued
2010
Call Number
HV9203 Teo
Date Submitted
2010