REHABILITATION

Prison is necessary to punish and reform offenders and protect the public from the most serious, dangerous and persistent offenders. But it is not necessarily the best route for less serious offenders who may lose their job, their accommodation and their family ties after a short period of imprisonment. Putting offenders through tough community sentences can often be more effective in reducing re-offending than a short spell in prison.

There are a variety of approaches to rehabilitation offered by Probation, based around a Community Order A community order (formerly known as a probation order) is a community sentence which requires the offender to be supervised by the probation service for between six months and three years.   Serious offences  A community order can be made for any offence which the court believes is serious enough. The purpose of the order is to rehabilitate the offender, protect the public and prevent the offender committing further offences.   It provides a legal framework for administering the new accredited programmes.    Where there are underlying problems Community orders are often made where there is a clear underlying problem leading to crime, such as misuse of drugs or alcohol, difficulties in controlling behaviour or a chaotic lifestyle.   The court may direct the offender to attend a special programme, or to seek help for particular problems, as a requirement of the Community Order.   A requirement to live at a probation hostel for part of the order can be inserted, if the sentencer feels they need a greater degree of supervision.   Regular, planned work  The offender sees probation staff regularly in line with national standards, and at least weekly for the first 16 weeks. An offender manager draws up a sentence plan with the supervisee aimed at making them take positive steps to avoid reoffending.   The menu  The offender must follow a planned programme, which may involve individual sessions, or group sessions with other offenders. Programmes are designed to address particular issues - uncontrollable anger, for instance - and a menu of work will be designed for each person depending on their individual requirements.   We also refer offenders to other agencies for specialist help with housing, employment, drug or alcohol problems or mental health needs as these are often associated with continued offending.   The right sequence of events is important Offender Managers plan the menu of work for each individual. It must be properly sequenced so that the right programme is delivered at the right time.   How are the orders enforced?  Anyone who misses appointments or does not keep to the terms of the order is taken back to court and can be sent to prison. Enforcement of Court Orders is a major national priority; it signals to the offender where the boundaries lie, and ensures significant improvements in offender attendance.