The probation service has committed itself to anti-racist initiatives and those promoting equal opportunities for some time. However, the experiences of black people, whether as workers or 'clients' indicates that the realities of day-to-day practice are far removed from this. Moreover, the picture is just as bleak if not even more so in other parts of the criminal justice system including the judiciary and the prison service. Anti-Racist Probation Practice addresses this conundrum and drawing on the experiences of black people makes practical proposals for moving forward in non-tokenistic ways. These include core areas of practice, for example court reports monitoring systems; resource allocation; and working relations. Arguing that process, procedures and outcomes in the work done must be taken together if individual, institutional and cultural racism are to be eradicated, the book shows that anti-racist probation practice must be taken seriously by both black and white people if it is to materialise.
Biography
Lena Dominelli is President of the International Association of Schools of Social Work and Director of the Centre for International Social and Community Development. The University of Southampton, UK
’This book is written by a strong team...It contains an unusual combination in being both accessible in its presentation of material and uncompromising in its insistence upon the pervasive and destructive impact of racism in all aspects of the criminal justice system.’ LCCJ Newsletter ’...essential reading for students training to become probation officers and will be useful reading for other social work students.’ British Journal of Social Work ’Anti-Racist Probation Practice is a book that is extremely relevant to all social work...recommended reading for all who work in the social services, including managers, practitioners and educators.’ Social Work Review
