Probation Journal

Gerald Kaufman took over opposition front bench responsibilities for Home Affairs last autumn. How has his thinking developed on criminal justice issues? He spoke to Probation Journal on June 28th.

Bill McWilliams reviews a significant Home Office Research Paper on Sentencing and Diversion, which emphasises 'policy' at the expense theory and confuses intentions with results.

The authors argue that divorce court welfare workers cannot adopt a free-floating, non-judgmental stance in conciliation, but must ultimately retain their statutory responsibilities for child welfare and protection, and be prepared to make recommendations in contested cases.

St Pauls saw the first of the city disturbances of the early eighties, and has most features of urban deprivation. The team there have been forced to reconsider their previous 'fatalistic acceptance of the status quo', and through individual commitment and team partnership have achieved a considerable increase in client contact and intervention.

Oxford's specialist Youth Custody team has attracted much interest and support. The author reviews the first year's experience.

Research on women given Community Service Orders in West Yorkshire raises important questions about discrimination against females in the criminal justice system.

An analysis of the conceptual confusion about IT, offering a clearer theoretical base for progressive Probation Service practice, and suggestions for a four-level programme of action.