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Academic insights

Academic Insights are aimed at all those interested in research and developments in the evidence base for high-quality probation and youth justice services.

We commission leading academics to present their views on specific topics, assisting with informed debate and aiding understanding of what helps and what hinders the delivery of services.

Crucially, evidence-based practice is supported by blending key findings and insights from a range of models, disciplines and types of research, as well as from across jurisdictions. 

The views expressed in the papers do not necessarily reflect the policy position of HM Inspectorate of Probation.


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63 inspections and research

The ‘Sequential Intercept Model’ – a trauma-informed diversionary framework

Published:
This report highlights how the ‘Sequential Impact Model’ (SIM) can be used as a trauma-informed framework which identifies key stages and opportunities for diverting children and adults with complex needs from the criminal justice system or from penetrating deeper into the system.

Realising the rehabilitative potential of approved premises

Published:
This report sets out the potential of approved premises (APs) to support desistance and rehabilitation whilst managing risks of harm to the public. Consideration is given to the optimum approach for APs at the system level, community level, and at the establishment level.

Issues, challenges and opportunities for trauma-informed practice

Published:
This report presents ten critical questions, including whether we know how to identify good trauma-informed work and measure positive outcomes, whether the criminal justice system and settings are conducive to trauma-informed approaches, and whether the wider community is supportive.

Evidence-based core messages for youth justice

Published:
This report identifies ten key messages from the research literature for an evidence-based approach to youth justice policy and practice; while recognising the need for the evidence base to continually evolve and to bridge the gap between research, policy and practice.

Desistance, adversity and trauma: Implications for practice with children and young people in conflict with the law

Published:
This report sets out a practice agenda that supports desistance from offending processes, engages with social adversity and trauma, and helps to empower children and young people to work towards their pro-social goals.

A tripartite strategy for unpaid work in the community

Published:
This report sets out the benefits to be gained from a clear underpinning philosophy and strategic direction for unpaid work which meets the needs of victims, those who have offended, and the community as a whole.

The Risk-Need-Responsivity model: 1990 to the Present

Published:
This report summarises the history of the Risk-Need-Responsivity model of assessment and rehabilitation from 1990 to the present day.

The IDEAS approach to effective practice in youth justice

Published:
This report was kindly produced by Heidi Dix and Jen Meade, outlining the IDEAS approach to effective practice in youth justice which comprises the five interlinked elements of influence, delivery, expertise, alliance, and support.

Supporting children’s compliance on community supervision

Published:
This report was kindly produced by Mairéad Seymour, introducing the concept of compliance and exploring strategies that pro-actively support and encourage substantive compliance by children and young people.

Ethical humility in probation

Published:
This report was kindly produced by Frederic Reamer, highlighting the importance of practitioners’ humility and reflective practice when managing ethical issues in probation.