Evaluations of Probation Specialists on Evidence-Based Probation Practices: A Qualitative Study from Turkey

ABSTRACT

Purpose

This research explores the views of probation specialists working with young offenders about their professional process, professional problems, and the evidence-based practice approach.

Method

The qualitative method was used in the research and the phenomenology pattern forms the basis of the research. The data deciphered and conceptualized with descriptive analysis by the organizing and senior researcher.

Results

According to data from in-depth interviews, due to the dual structure of the probation system, which includes both execution and rehabilitation, professional staff experience role conflict. Professional problems such as excessive workload, inadequate physical conditions, not separating the job descriptions of probation specialists according to their fields of expertise, job dissatisfaction, and burnout are common. In addition, there are no scientific tools to measure the effectiveness of the intervention programs and monitoring process in the probation system.

Discussion

There is a need for developing the effectiveness of intervention programs in the probation system and an evidence-based intervention system. At the end of the article, some suggestions on effective social work practices in the probation system are presented from the perspective of evidence-based practice.

KEYWORDS:

• Probation
• probation practices
• probation specialists
• evidence-based practice
• effectiveness

Acknowledgments

Much appreciation is owed to the probation specialists in the probation offices in Turkey, for participating in the study and for sharing their unique experiences with us.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) received no financial support for the research, authorship and/or publication of this article.