Abstract

Constructive Work with Offenders offers a challenge to many of the assumptions of criminal justice policy and the dominant approaches to practice.

The contributors advocate an emphasis on constructive work with offenders that harnesses their positive strengths and resources, and offers inclusive approaches to effective offender assessment and intervention. Taking a fresh look at much received knowledge, they proclaim that constructive work with offenders is both possible and increasingly warranted, and encourage practitioners to develop new skills and adapt existing expertise to the rapidly changing requirements of the criminal justice system.

This book will be of interest to practitioners, trainers, managers, and researchers in the criminal justice system, as well as academics and students in the field of criminology and related disciplines.

Working within the criminal justice system can leave practitioners feeling pretty jaundiced at times so it is refreshing to find a book that offers a new perspective... The main purpose of this book seems to be to invoke thought and encourage reflection on current practice, and in this endeavour it certainly succeeds.
Professional Social Work
This refreshingly open and honest collection of contributions highlights a 'get back to basics' approach towards work with offenders... The essence of the book explores the treatment avenues open to professionally qualified probation officers. This thorough and well annotated collection of constructive treatment programmes contained within this book focus attention on the high level of commitment and skills shown by various professionals... The book reaffirms a commitment towards these ideals and attempts successfully to offer an alternative to the purely enforcement and control models. This book contains many valuable chapters that will give food for thought to current and aspiring practitioners. It would also provide a useful source of ideas for training and research. It succeeds in its aim of providing renewed impetus to a vitally important politically sensitive area of work.
British Journal of Social Work
This book is rich in research into a great variety of criminal aspects including criminals in the courtroom. It is likely to be of particular value to those working with the courts: probation officers, forensic psychologists, social workers and others.
Internet Law Books Review
A thoughtful, engaged and timely collection of stories designed to to awaken, challenge and assist those engaged in the complexitythat is contemporary probation practice.
The Howard Journal, Volume