Understanding Re-Offending in Youth

This assignment delves into the complex issue of re-offending among young offenders. It examines various contributing factors, including social influences, personal background, unemployment, and mental health issues. The role of probation officers in preventing re-offending is analyzed, considering strategies like counseling, increased supervision, and developing relationships with offenders. The effectiveness of desistance programs in guiding young offenders away from criminal behavior is also evaluated, along with insights into current re-offending rates.

Dissertation

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction......................................................................................................................................3
Strength and limitations of the study...............................................................................................3
Literature review..............................................................................................................................4
Research Methodology....................................................................................................................7
Results..............................................................................................................................................9
Thematic Discussion......................................................................................................................16
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................19
References......................................................................................................................................22
Appendix........................................................................................................................................24
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Title: “To identify the effectiveness of working of probation officers in preventing young
offenders from re-offending and returning to prison.”
INTRODUCTION
In the modern era, crime has increased to a great extent; statistics show that many of the
offenders are involved in the sexual, violent reprehensible activities. Probation officers are the
key players of criminal justice system. They supervise the offenders and prepare written report
for the court (Holtfreter and Wattanaporn, 2014). Criminals have to live under their strong
supervision. Probation period is the testing period in which officer test the character and ability
of an individual who has committed any crime. Approx 70% sentence cases are kept on hold by
the courts and they have sent the offenders under supervision of probation officers. Probation
officer prepares a pre-sentence report (PSR) of the offenders and interviews the criminals. By
this way, they gather the relevant information about personal life, demographic condition, and
type of crime and current situation of the person (Bales and et.al, 2015). That written report
supports justice system in making accurate decisions of the punishment. Probation officer work
with prison service and monitor behavior of the offenders. They help them in changing their
behavior so that after releasing from the prison, they can start a new life. The objective of the
research is to identify the working responsibilities of the probation officers. Purpose of the
present study is to find out the effectiveness of work in preventing re-offending to prison.
Objective of the study is to evaluate the ways which can help in preventing young offenders from
re-offending and returning to prison (Pruin, 2016).
STRENGTH AND LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY
The entire research is based on the work of probation officers in the justice system. The
main strength of the study is that with the help of this, the researcher will be able to enhance its
knowledge about offenders. Statistical figures will help in identifying number of criminals in the
UK and their reason of committing the crime (Morris, 2016). This information will help in
carrying out the study in a right direction. While doing the research on the subject, researcher has
discussed about the cases which are very common. Officers have given their views regarding
background checking and court. That will help the scholar in getting valid results. With the help
of study, research will be able to improve its knowledge about the cases and that would be
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beneficial for the future (Hean and et.al, 2015). All information is collected through primary
sources which will help in gaining real data which can make this research more interesting.
Another strength of this study is that other researcher will get conceptual idea about the topic and
that would help them in their researches.
Researcher does not have sufficient resources for conducting the study. That is the main
weakness of this research and many times due to lack of financial resource scholar fails to gather
relevant information (Laws, 2016). Investigator is not having personal relationship with
government or juridical person who can give details about facts..So it will create in collecting the
real data. As these officers do not communicate with anyone and do not disclose confidential
details for public use so it can create problem in the research. So it is difficult to connect with the
internal persons those who know better about the criminal activities. Another weakness of the
study is that it can create problem in the research that limited time. This study is too vast and
researcher has only limited time for the research that is weakness of this study (Raynor, 2016).
Being a researcher, I will have to play role of observer, being observer individual have to
observe thing so that valid conclusion can be drawn. By observing the environment of the work
place of probation officer it will help me to identify their work and its effectiveness. I need to
collect that data from the reliable sources so that I can find out effectiveness of the work of
probation officers. I will have to play a role of technical assistant because in this I will have to
use different types of software to present the graphs. That would help in getting the accurate
information of the topic. I will also play the role of coordinator because in this it is necessary for
me to make connection with government officers to collect the authentic information. So by
making connection with all these resources, I will be able to carry out the effective research on
this topic.
LITERATURE REVIEW
Work of probation officers to prison
According to Jiang and et.al, 2014 juvenile probation officers have to supervise the youth
offenders who are in the prison for the probation period. They have to look upon their activities
and the change which occur in their behavior (Jiang and et.al, 2014). If there is no improvement
then probation officer sends report to the higher justice authorities. After getting report of the
4

officer, court makes will have to send report to higher court. Supervision of youth offenders is
the prime responsibility of the officers.
As per the view of Allen, 2013 probation officers have the duty to provide counseling to
young offenders so that they can change their mind and behavior (Allen, 2013). Before criminal
leave the prison, officers guide them and make them understand significance of the clean life. It
is the work of probation officer to give good counseling so that they can change their mind
immediately and eliminate behavioral issue. Grace, 2017 has argued that probation officer has to
work as juvenile correctional treatment specialists. They have to work with the adolescent's
person those who have committed any crime and are putted on probation by the justice
authorities (Grace, 2017). Rather than directly send them to jail, authorities send them prison for
probation time period. Apart from this, probation officers have to deal with such criminals those
who have spent time in the jail. They identify their behavior before going to jail and after that
and prepare a written report for the justice authorities. So that judgment regarding punishment
can be taken by the concern court.
According to the Scott, 2016 duty of the probation officers is to investigate the case and
take interview with the parents or guardians, as well as further discuss the issue with the lawyer
(Scott, 2016). They have to prepare a written report and have to present it in front of higher
authorities of the justice system. For preparing the structure about the case, officers have to
analyze the case and consequence of crime on individual's life. After that, they discuss the issue
with the parents of youngsters so that they can tell better about nature and behavior of the
offender. Their job profile is to become an investigator and find out the real victim and criminal.
Willoughby and Nellis, 2016 has argued that probation officer is an important player of
justice system, they request to judge for increasing probation period of criminal so that they can
provide better counseling to the offenders (Willoughby and Nellis, 2016). They have to attend
court hearings and justify their respect to judge of increasing probation period of the offender. As
per the view of Britt, 2014 work of probation officers is to connect with the agencies those who
provide protection to the public. They have to ensure that the criminal should not harm any of the
general people. They have to work with other agencies for reducing local criminal activities from
the country. Safety of community is the job responsibility of the probation officer (Britt, 2014).
Effectiveness of work of probation officers in preventing offenders from re-offending
5

According to the Bakker and et.al, 2015 work of probation officer is to monitor the
offender continuously (Bakker and et.al, 2015). By supervising them, the officers become able to
monitor their behavioral changes and which can help in knowing whether there is any change in
the attitude or not. All probation officers perform their work effectively and close supervision
develop sense of fear among criminals and they behave good with others. Criminals think that
they can get punishment in future so they may change their mind which will help the young
offenders from re-offendin.
Cozby and Bates, 2015 has argued that job responsibilities of a probation officer is very
effective and it help in making criminal understand about the benefits of good life (Cozby and
Bates, 2015). They can understand their previous mistakes and can develop maturity within them
that can support in preventing young offenders from re-offending. As they provide counseling to
person and make them understand about adverse effects of crime line. Their guidance and
counseling can make significant changes in their behaivour. By this way, they will get improved
and after completing their probation period, they can start a healthy life. It will reduce chances of
re-offending and they will never return to prison again. Author has said that this is an effective
work and helps criminals in starting their life in a new way. This can be better situation for
society because by this way criminal activities can be reduced and it can develop secure
environment.
As per the view of McGivern 2013 probation officer's work is to investigate the case and
find out the real criminal. By investing the case, the officers can get to know effectively about
the previous life of an offender so that can help in preparing wriiten report for the court
(McGivern, 2013). That would help in making sound judgment and will aid in motivating the
person. By this way, they will not get involved in criminal activities in the future. it will
influence them and they will understand their mistake and will never repeat it again in the future.
So it is very effective for the probation officers.
On other hand Savin-Baden and Major, 2013 has argued that offenders cannot make
changes in their behavior after getting counseling from the officers (Savin-Baden and Major,
2013). There are many criminals those who are in the jail since five to six years and they
commit small crime and get punishment and after that also they again do the crime and come to
jail. Author has discussed that offenders have tendency to commit crime and they do not feel
6

guilty after committing any crime.. As per the view of Britt, 2014 it is found that many of the
investigations have declared that offenders have criminal family background and they are not
ashamed after committing any crime. So in most of the reports, it is found that officers have
discussed in the written report that person is still offensive. So their investigation cannot prevent
the young offenders from re-offending and returning to prison (Britt, 2014).
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Introduction
Research methodology is the process of collecting relative information for achieving
objective of the research. The purpose of this chapter is to identify research philosophy, strategy,
data collection methods and analyze the data for drawing a valid conclusion (Daniel, Kumar and
Omar, 2017). Research philosophy: It is a belief and the described way of collecting the data. There
are several types of philosophies such as pragmatism, positivism, realism and
interpretivism. This doctrine support in developing knowledge about the subject matters
that dissertation can be prepared in an effective manner. This study is much more
depended upon the facts and figures (Daudt, van Mossel and Scott, 2013). It is necessary
to identify the nature of criminals, committed crimes and work of probation officer. So
for the study, researcher has chosen the positivism philosophy. The main reason of
selecting this doctrine is that it focuses more on objectives rather than the subjectivity. By
this way, the data collection will be done significantly and researcher will be able to
identify effectiveness of work of probation officers in preventing re-offending. It is
highly structured philosophy so with the help of this, the data can be collected from the
reliable sources. Research approach: There are generally three types of approaches used by the scholars
deductive, inductive.. For the present study, researcher has taken support of deductive
approach(Von Euler, 2016). By this way, the scholar will be able to develop hypotheses
to check the real effectiveness of working of probation officers. With the help of this, the
researcher will be able to get authentic finding which will help in making valid
conclusion. With the help of collected data, a theory can be developed by the researcher.
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 Research design: It is a general plan of the research that describes planning of the
researcher to identify the answers of the questions (Savin-Baden and Major, 2013). For
the present study, descriptive research design is being selected by the scholar. It is
required to prepare questionnaire for the probation officers. So descriptive research
design will be better for the current research, it will help in knowing the real opinion of
officers about their work profile and impact on the criminals (McGivern, 2013). Apart
from this, descriptive research includes observation, case study and survey. But for the
present study, survey and questionnaire is the best option. Personal interview is the best
way to analyze the real effectiveness of the subject matter. Data collection: It is an important tool; with the help of which the researcher can gather
relevant information from the reliable sources. For the present study, researcher has used
primary sources and has prepared questionnaire for their officers. By this way, internal
background of justice system can be analyzed by them significantly (Bakker and et.al,
2015). Apart from primary sources, they have also used secondary data. Scholar can take
help from books, journals, articles, and internet data for knowing the previous study
results. By this way, it will be able to draw a valid and effective conclusion. Research strategy: It is another part of research methodologies and it plays a significant
role in conducting research on the particular topic. In the present research, investigator
will use the combined strategy. Qualitative method will be used by the scholar and it will
develop better understanding about the topic and researcher will be able to achieve
objectives of the study (Cozby and Bates, 2015). Sampling: It is the process of selecting sample for the investigation. It is necessary to
chose correct sample and correct sample size. By this way, the researcher will be able to
finish the study successfully. In the present report, investigators have used the survey
methodology and samples have been chosen by the probation officers. They work in the
real environment so they can tell effectively about the offenders. By this way, objectives
will be accomplished significantly. Sample size is being for the study 10, data will be
collected from probation officers (Von Euler, 2016). Data analyses: The main results can be identified after analyzing the raw data, without
analyzing the information real conclusion cannot be drawn by the investigator.
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Qualitative and quantitative are two types of data analyzing techniques. In the qualitative
tool, researchers use the thematic analyses and present the graphs of themes. By this way,
a valid conclusion can be drawn by the investigator. In the quantitative tool, scholar finds
out the answers with the help of T test, SPSS etc. For the present study, qualitative
technique is being chosen by the researcher and thematic analysis will be carried out to
accomplish the objective (Daniel, Kumar and Omar, 2017). Research limitation: It is the part of research methodology which explains the issues
which are faced by the scholar while working on this subject matter. As researcher were
not having sufficient financial resources for conducting research. Due to this, sometimes
it creates problem with the scholar. Scholar is required to support the advanced software
for the study so that it can collect previous records of criminal and investigate their
previous case studies. But due to limited monitory funds, investigators will be unable to
collect the important data. Time was the major limitation of this study (Daudt, van
Mossel and Scott, 2013). Researcher is not having sufficient time for the research, it has
to submit the report very soon. As individual has to complete the task within stipulated
time duration so in the limited time period it will be not necessary to discuss the issue
with maximum number of probation officers.
 Ethical consideration: It can be specified as an important part of research methodology.
If this part is being ignored by the investigator then the entire dissertation can fail. It is
essential to concentrate on the subject matter effectively. This investigation will not harm
any of the respondent and other population. Data will be kept confidential and there will
be no misuse of the information and facts and figures. Privacy will be maintained to a
great extent in this study. If scholar ignores these aspects then the entire research will not
be considered as valid (McGivern, 2013).
RESULTS
Theme 1: Offender's behavior are offensive in the prison?
Yes 4
No 6
9

Interpretation: From the above research it is found that four probation officers have said that
offenders behave offensive in the prison whereas six officers have said that they do no behave
offensive in the prison. So from the discussion it can be interpreted that maximum people said
that criminals have attacking nature. In the prison they do not get worried that they can get
punishment. Their nature is very violate and any time they can be violent. So it is necessary that
probation officers strongly monitor them and supervise them so that they do not harm any other
person in the prison. If there is any lacking point then it can turn into big issue for the society
members.
Theme 2: Main factors that influence re-offending?
Social factor 2
personal factor (family background and bad
habits)
3
Unemployment and financial problems 4
Mental health problem 1
10
Yes No
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
4
6
Column C

Interpretation: From the graphical presentation it can be said that there are many factors that
influence re-offending. Two respondents have said that social factor is the main element due to
this criminal do no change their mind and commit crime again and again. Three officers have
viewed that their family background and other personal factors the main aspects due to this
person commit crime again and return to prison several times. Four respondents have said that
employment and economic problems are the main reason of crime. One respondent has viewed
that due to mental illness individual go in the wrong direction. From the above discussion it can
be interpreted that financial problems are the main issue and factor and influence re-offending.
Many of the offenders return to the prison and they commit crime due to fulfillment of monitory
requirements. Family background is equally main component and influence re-offending. Due to
family issues or bad relationship with family members people get frustrated and go towards
wrong direction.
Theme 3: Desistance process is effective in preventing young offenders from re-offending?
Yes 7
No 3
11
Social factor
personal factor (family background and bad habits)
Unemployment and financial problems
Mental health problem
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5
2
3
4
1
Column D

Interpretation: From the discussion it is found that seven respondents have said that yes
desistance is the great process and it can help in preventing young offender's from re-offending.
Whereas, three respondents have viewed that no it is completely waste of time process. So from
the research it can be interpreted that with the help of this process probation officers can reduce
criminal activities and can make offenders understand that it is wrong way and it can spoil their
life. By this way criminal can change heir mind and can select the correct path for the future. It
will help in preventing them and reducing the re-offending rates in the prison. That can help in
improving the security of the society and people will live healthy and secure life.
Theme 4: Relationship with offenders is helpful in preventing offenders from re-offending and
returning to prison?
Yes 6
12
7
3
Yes
No

No 4
Interpretation: From the discussion it is found that six respondents have said that developing
relationship with the offenders is good and it can help in preventing offenders from re-offending.
On other hand four respondents have said that no it not a worthwhile strategy and can not reduce
the re-offending activities. From the graphical presentation it can be interpreted that building
relationship is the good strategy and can help in preventing young offenders to return the prison.
Strong bonding will develop communication and understanding level. By this way people will be
able to understand the point of view of the probation officer. They will give respect to their
opinion and will change their mind. It will help them in guiding well to them and develop sense
of responsibility among them. By this way they will choose correct path and will not go towards
wrong direction. So that will reduce criminal activities and they will not come again in the prison
due to crime.
Theme 5: Strategy used by you for making criminals understand that not to return prison again?
Counseling 4
Increasing probation period for changing their
behavior
3
Developing relationship with them 2
Close supervision and monitoring 1
13
Yes No
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
6
4
Column D

Interpretation: From the research it is found that four respondents have said that counseling is
the best strategy that can reduce re-offending cases. Three officers have said that by increasing
probation period of the criminal, officers can change their mind. As they think that if offender
live under their supervision then they can provide them better education and training so that they
can get improved and select correct path for the future. Two answers have said that by
developing the relationship with the offenders, probation officers can reduce re-offending rates
and can prevent them from return to prison again. One respondent has said that close supervision
is the great strategy and can reduce criminal activities. It can develop sense of fear among
offenders by this way they will get improved. From he graphical presentation it can be
interpreted that counseling is the great strategy and can help in making criminal understand. By
this way they will understand the significance of clean life and they will not go into wrong
direction.
Theme 6: Re-offending rates have got down since past years?
Yes 7
No 3
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Counseling
Increasing probation period for changing their behavior
Developing relationship with them
Close supervision and monitoring
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4
4
3
2
1
Column D

Interpretation: From the research its is found that seven respondents are agreed on the point that
re-offending rates have been down. On other hand three respondents have said that no still re-
offending rates are same. So it can be interpreted that counseling and supervision have
influenced the mind of offenders and they have selected the right path. More than 70% criminals
do not came again in the prison after surviving their probation period. Now they are on the right
pah and living their life happily. After finishing their prison period, maximum offenders have not
come again in the jail. That shows that re-offending rates have got down to great extent. It shows
that probation officers are working well and their guidance and supervision have impact
positively on the offenders.
Theme 7: Counseling really influence the mind of offenders?
Agree 4
Strongly agree 3
Disagree 1
Strongly disagree 2
15
Yes No
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 7
3 Column D

Interpretation: From the discussion it is found that four respondents are agreed that counseling
really influence the mind of offenders. Whereas, three officers have said that they are strongly
agree on the topic. On other hand one answer is disagree with the point that counseling influence
their mind. Two answer are strongly disagree with the point. They think that offenders have
tendency to commit crime so no specific education, guidance and counseling can influence the
mind of criminal. From the graphical presentation it can be interpreted that counseling really
works and can prevent young offenders from re-offending. Probation officers give strong
counseling to the offenders and make them understand with the draw back of bad life style and
crime. If they commit crime then it can adversely impact on their families also, so after getting
he correct suggestion and counseling offenders change their mind and they can select the right
path.
Theme 8: Involvement of families of offenders to morally pressurize the criminals that not to
commit crime again, really works?
Yes 7
No 3
16
4
3
1
2
Agree
Strongly agree
Disagree
Strongly disagree

Interpretation: From the research it is found that seven respondents have said that involvement
of families of criminals are effective way, by this way they can be able to pressurize them
morally and emotionally and offenders may change their mind immediately. On other hand, three
respondents have said that no involvement of families do not really work because they are not
having good relationship with their family members so they will not listen them. From the
graphical presentation it can be interpreted that families know better about the offenders and can
morally pressurize them. By this way people will change their mind and they will not come again
in the prison. That can help hem in improving their life and they will go into right direction.
THEMATIC DISCUSSION
Working responsibilities of the probation officers
From the above literature review and questionnaire it is found that probation officers are
the key players of justice system. They have to perform their duties well so that crime can be
minimized from the country. From the primary sources and secondary sources it is found that
main responsibilities of the probation officers is to supervise the offenders closely. Their daily
activities and changes in their behavior they have to observed and have to treat them accordingly.
If officers found any positive changes in their attitude then they can request to the court to
increase their probation period rather than sending directly to the jail. They have to prepare a
report to court about reason of committing crime, situation in which person has attempted the
crime. By this way judge analyses the case study and take necessary judgment for them. If by
17
Yes
No
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Column E

looking on the report judge find that offender can get improved then they increase their probation
period. By this way probation officer get more time for making changes in the offenders.
From the primary and secondary research it is found that probation officers have to
investigate the case of offenders. For that they visit home and family of the person and collect
relevant information from this. By this way they get to know about background of individual.
That supports in making real judgment about the criminal. If person has committed the crime due
to financial problems then officers prepare a positive report and ensure the judge that offender
will not repeat this action again if person get any employment opportunity. From the research
and themes it is found that probation officers have to provide counseling to the young offenders.
They analyse their situation and behavior and according provide them proper counseling so that
person can change their mind and select a correct path for the future life. That helps in reducing
the criminal activities and prevent young offenders from the re-offending and returning to prison
again.
Effectiveness of working of officers in preventing re-offending to prison
From the questionnaire and literature review, researcher has found that probation officers
are working well and they perform their duties well. Statistical records shows that re-offending
rates have got down to great extent in the UK and many other countries. After getting counseling
offenders change their opinion and feel that they can select the right path. Criminals analyses that
crime line is very risky and it can harm its family members also. So it is better to select the right
path and do well in the life. By this way they will be able to leave a respectful life and it will
help in reducing their problems. By getting counseling from the probation officers, re-offending
rates have been decreased to great extent. That shows that probation officers are working
effectively and they are fulfilling their work duties. People think that clean life is better option in
this they can get respect as well so they improve their behavior and not return again to the prison.
From the primary and secondary it is found that probation officers observe and supervise
the behavior of the offenders. By this way hey analyses that whether criminal is guilty or over
confident after committing he crime. That supports them in knowing their real attitude by this
they can provide consultancy services to the offenders so that they get improved and improve
their personal life. It shows that probation officers are very serious towards their work and guide
people well that results in reducing the re-offending rates of the prison. If there investigation
18

found that person is not guilty after committing the crime, then they maintain this point in their
written report and present it to court. By this way judge takes accurate decision of sending such
persons into the jail.
From the research it is found by the investigator that probation officers are trying their
best efforts and provide the offenders clear guidance so that they can improve their life and never
come again in the prison. Contribution of probation officers are very helpful in reducing the
crime rate from the society. Their work and strategies supports in preventing young offenders
from re-offending. Young criminals restart their life and this new journey give them better
employment and growth opportunities. That assists in leaving a healthy life rather for fulfilling
their needs and requirements. Effectiveness of working of probation officers has developed the
environment of UK and that is why crime rate from the country has been decreased since last
five years. That shows that probation officers are working effectively and contributing well in
reducing the criminal activities from the nation.
Strategies used by probation officers for preventing young offenders from re-offending and
returning to prison
From the above research and questioners it is found that probation officers are working
effectively and are contributing well in increasing the re-offending rates. Officers come in the
prison for shorter duration, in that time period they have to identify the current situation of the
criminal and have to find out the previous background of the person. By this way they prepare
their report. It depends upon case to case what strategies they have to use. Some time offenders
do not feel guilty after committing the crime so in such situation they organize them tough
environment in the prison house for them so that sense of fear develop and they realize the value
of clean and healthy life. Whereas if person has committed the crime due to financial and family
problems then they behave with them softly. And request to court to increase their probation
period so that officers can provide them counseling and can convert them into a good human
being. By this way offenders will not come again in the prison in the future. Probation officers
have to visit many prisons so they have limited time for the investigator about the offenders. In
the limited time duration they try to get maximum information so that they can prepare a good
written report and can perform their main duty of decreasing re-offending rates to great extent.
They involve all sources in the investigation such as they firstly communicate with the family
19

members, friends, then communicate with the offender so that real background of the persons
can be identified. It supports officers in taking proper action for their improvements.
From the secondary sources researchers has developed the knowledge about re-offending
rates in the UK. Individual has found that strategies of the probation officers are worthwhile and
it gives positive results to the society. Proper investigation about the criminal about the reason of
crime is the main strategy. By this way they identify their needs and mental condition and
provide them treatment accordingly. From the entire research, scholar has analyzed that
involvement of family members is another strategy adopts by the probation officers. By this way
they realize the offenders hat their criminal life can impact the family members and moralize
pressurize them so that they do not commit the crime again. By this way re-offending rates of the
prison get increased and such type of criminals do not come again in the jail. Apart from all these
strategies some time probation officers provide training and education to the offenders so that
they develop their knowledge and feel confident to work ethically. Some times economic
problems create a situation for the offenders of committing crime. But by giving them
knowledge and training officers can suggest them new way of living their life. That prevent
young offenders from re-offending and returning to prison.
CONCLUSION
To find out the effectiveness of working of probation officer ion order to prevent young
offenders from re-offending was the main of the study. Regarding this researcher has used
several tools and techniques which helped the investigator in getting the findings. With the help
of these method's scholar has finished the report effectively on time. Author has used the
previous researches on the same topic, that has helped in getting appropriate insight about the
subject matter. These articles have supported in understanding the research problems and author
has developed hypothesis. For gathering the real data, researcher has taken support of primary
and secondary sources. Scholar has prepared questionnaire and has asked the questions with
probation officers regarding their work and criminal behavior. As per the finding of the research
it is found that probation officers work effectively and contribute well in preventing young
offenders from re-offending. They involve families of criminal to pressurize morally to the
offenders so that individual select correct direction after completing probation period. They also
give counseling to the offenders so that they change their mind and understand the adverse
20

effects of crime line. That has reduced the re-offending rates and it is found that 70% criminal
are no returning to the prison again. That shows that working of probation officers are very
effective and impressive. They are the biggest contributor in the justice system and help in
reducing the crime rates. Probation officers investigate about the crime and reason of committing
the crime. On the bases of particular investigation they provide counseling to the criminals. By
this way they get prevented from the re-offending and do not return to prison.
From the literature review it can be articulated that there are number of reason of
commuting crime. Financial problems, personal and social elements are the major components
due to this, people commit crime and spoil their life. Working of probation officers are very
effective in preventing the young offenders from re-offending and returning to prison.
Recommendations:
Several strategies can help in preventing young offenders from re-offending and
returning to prison:
 Probation officers can provide proper counseling to the offenders, by this way criminal
will change their mind and they will select the right path for their future. By this way they
will not commit crime in future that will prevent from re-offending.
 Proper investigation about the offenders is the great strategy that can make work of
probation officer more effective. By investigating the case more deeply, officers will be
able to know about the background of the criminal and they will be able to provide them
guidance accordingly. If people has criminal family background they officer may behave
hard with them, but if people has committed crime due to financial problems then officers
may offer them employment opportunities after completing their probation period in the
prison. That can help in influencing their mind and that will prevent young offenders
from re-offending and returning to prison.
 Developing relationship with the offenders is the great strategy that can help in making
good communication with them. By this way they will trust on the probation officers and
will understand their point of views. That would reduce crime rate and offenders will not
return to the prison again.
21

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Allen, R., 2013. What works in changing public attitudes to prison: lessons from Rethinking
Crime and Punishment. Captured by the media: Prison discourse in popular culture. pp.65-83.
Bakker, R. and et.al., 2015. Measuring party positions in Europe: The Chapel Hill expert survey
trend file, 1999–2010.Party Politics. 21(1). pp.143-152.
Bales, W. D. and et.al., 2015. An Assessment of the Effectiveness of Prison Work Release
Programs on Post-Release Recidivism and Employment.
Britt, E., 2014. Motivational Interviewing: A useful skill for correctional staff?.
Cozby, P. C. and Bates, S., 2015. Methods in behavioral research. McGraw-Hill.
Daniel, B., Kumar, V. and Omar, N., 2017. Postgraduate conception of research methodology:
implications for learning and teaching. International Journal of Research & Method in
Education. pp.1-17.
Daudt, H. M., van Mossel, C. and Scott, S. J., 2013. Enhancing the scoping study methodology:
a large, inter-professional team’s experience with Arksey and O’Malley’s framework. BMC
medical research methodology. 13(1). pp.48.
Grace, S., 2017. Effective interventions for drug using women offenders: A narrative literature
review. Journal of Substance Use. pp.1-8.
Hean, S. and et.al., 2015. Using social innovation as a theoretical framework to guide future
thinking on facilitating collaboration between mental health and criminal justice
services.International Journal of Forensic Mental Health. 14(4). pp.280-289.
Holtfreter, K. and Wattanaporn, K. A., 2014. The transition from prison to community initiative:
An examination of gender responsiveness for female offender reentry. Criminal Justice and
Behavior. 41(1). pp.41-57.
Jiang, S. and et.al., 2014. Community corrections in China: Development and challenges. The
Prison Journal. 94(1). pp.75-96.
Laws, D. R., 2016. Community Restrictions on Sex Offender Behavior. InSocial Control of Sex
Offenders (pp. 141-155). Palgrave Macmillan UK.
McGivern, Y., 2013. The practice of market research: an introduction. Pearson Higher Ed.
Morris, M., 2016. WHOLE-SYSTEM APPROACH TO OFFENDER MANAGEMENT.
22

Pruin, I., 2016. Release Management for Female and Juvenile Prisoners. How Important Is
Release Management in Prison for Crime Prevention?. InWomen and Children as Victims and
Offenders: Background, Prevention, Reintegration (pp. 145-171). Springer International
Publishing.
Raynor, P., 2016. Effective Probation in England and Wales? The Rise and Fall of Evidence.
In Probation and Politics (pp. 239-261). Palgrave Macmillan UK.
Sahu, P. K., 2013. Research methodology: A guide for researchers in agricultural science, social
science and other related fields (p. 432). Springer.
Savin-Baden, M. and Major, C. H., 2013. Qualitative research: The essential guide to theory and
practice. Routledge.
Scott, K. J., 2016. Corrections and Education: The Relationship between Education and
Recidivism. Journal of Intercultural Disciplines. 15. pp.147.
Von Euler, U. S., 2016. A depressor substance in the vesicular gland. Journal of Physiology. 84.
pp.21P-2P.
Willoughby, A. and Nellis, M., 2016. “You Cannot Really Hide”: Experiences of Probation
Officers and Young Offenders with GPS Tracking in Winnipeg, Canada. Journal of Technology
in Human Services. 34(1). pp.63-81.
23

APPENDIX
Questionnaire
1. Name
2. Age
3. Gender
4. Does offenders behave violent in the prison?
 Yes
 No
5. What is the main factor that influence re-offending?
 Social factor
 personal factor (family background and bad habits)
 Unemployment and financial problems
 Mental health problem
6. Does Desistance really work in preventing young offenders from re-offending?
 Yes
 No
7. Does relationship with offenders is helpful in preventing offenders from re-offending and
returning to prison?
 Yes
 No
8. What strategy do you adapt for making criminals understand that not to return prison again?
 Counseling
 Increasing probation period for changing their behavior
 Developing relationship with them
 Close supervision and monitoring
9. Does re-offending rates have got down since past years?
 Yes
24

 No
10. Do you agree that counseling really influence the mind of offenders?
 Agree
 Strongly agree
 Disagree
 Strongly disagree
11. Do you involve families of offenders to morally pressurize the criminals that not to commit
crime again?
 Yes
 No
25