Published date:
Gillian Montgomery
This paper considers the opportunities for Probation to develop its contribution to preventing reoffending and desistance in the context of a new strategic plan published by the Northern Ireland Executive, prioritising ‘safer communities’.
For the first time, the strategic vision of government encompasses the need to enhance and strengthen community sentencing in Northern Ireland, and this provides opportunities to contribute more to preventing reoffending.
This paper sets out the context in respect of reoffending in Northern Ireland, the academic framework of desistance, PBNI’s current contribution to desistance, and operating context and the opportunities for PBNI to contribute further to reducing adult reoffending in light of this new strategic approach.