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Probation services – supervision of service users

Supervision of service users

Contemporary probation practice is based upon the ASPIRE model of case supervision. In our core inspections, we judge the quality of delivery in individual cases against the stages of the ASPIRE process:

  • Assessment
  • Sentence Planning
  • Implementation
  • Review
  • Evaluate

As set out in the figure below, the process is cyclical, reflecting the research evidence that desistance is typically a gradual, non-linear and multidimensional process, with thoughtful consideration needing to be given to how relapses should be dealt with. Service users have highlighted the importance of each stage of the ASPIRE process involving real collaboration and co-production.

There is a diagram is divided into four quadrants, each representing a stage of the ASPIRE process and highlighting the importance of collaboration and co-production within a cyclical process: 1. Assessment: - Risks - Need - Responsivity - Resources (including individual's strengths) 2. Planning: - Decide how these problems are to be tackled - Set objectives of supervision - Decide what action is to be taken, when, and by whom 3. Implementation: - Put plan into action - Keep records - Monitor progress - Troubleshoot difficulties 4. Reviewing: - Review progress on objectives - Identify evidence of progress - Highlight achievements - Decide what needs to be done next

Last updated: 18 December 2020