Amanda Stewart takes up the reins of the Probation Board for Northern Ireland on Monday 4th October as its newly appointed Chief Executive. The Probation Board’s aim is ‘changing lives for safer communities’ and it is responsible for supervising sentences served in the community and licences when someone is released from prison. Probation staff also … Continue reading NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE TAKES UP POST IN PROBATION BOARD →

20 September 2021 A bespoke intervention aimed at tackling offending among young men has been launched by the Probation Board of Northern Ireland (PBNI).The ‘Back on Track’ programme, which is the first of its kind, is aimed at young adults aged between 18 and 29 and was developed in Northern Ireland by PBNI Forensic Psychologists … Continue reading BACK ON TRACK INTERVENTION DEVELOPED TO TACKLE CRIME COMMITTED BY YOUNG MEN →

PBNI has launched a new ‘Restorative Justice Practice Framework’. The framework sets out PBNI’s ambition to be the leading organisation for the delivery of restorative practices for adults at all stages of the criminal justice system. Assistant Director Aideen McLaughlin who leads on restorative justice explains: “Through the framework, PBNI aims to ensure that all … Continue reading PBNI launches new ‘Restorative Justice Practice Framework’ →

Claire Houston, Probation Officer, has been supervising a Service User sentenced to a Custodial Sentence of 3 years 6 months and a further 3 years 6 months on Licence. He had weekly supervision due to his chaotic lifestyle with issues centred mainly around drug/alcohol misuse and poor mental health which were triggers for his offending. … Continue reading “Life worth living after Probation” – A Service Users Perspective →

By Siobhan McElnea, Probation Officer based in the Victim Information Scheme unit. When a crime has been committed there is an opportunity for learning. In the context of the criminal justice systems, restorative justice views crime as more than breaking the law, with a need for punishment. Restorative practice is involved with repairing the harm … Continue reading Restorative Justice achievement for Probation staff →

Justice Minister Naomi Long has announced the appointment of Neil Bodger as the new Deputy Chair of the Probation Board for Northern Ireland. The Minister said: “I wish to thank Neil for taking on this role in support of the Chair and his colleagues in the Probation Board.” Mr Bodger will serve as Deputy Chair … Continue reading Justice Minister Appoints Deputy Chair of the Probation Board →

This week is Alcohol Awareness NI Week 2021. It gives us all an opportunity to take a closer look at our drinking habits. Assistant Director for Programmes and Interventions, Jill Grant states: “We have found that one of the biggest influences on whether someone will reoffend is their misuse of drugs & alcohol. Tackling this … Continue reading Alcohol Awareness NI Week →