The legitimacy of offender management programmes in a post-TR landscape

Rowe, Michael; Irving, Adele; Soppitt, Sarah

Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the under-considered perspectives of service users engaged in various community sentences based on a “strengths-based” approach to desistance. Further to recent changes in the sector, the paper considers service user views for programmes delivered by combinations of agencies from private, public and third sectors.

Design/methodology/approach
The paper is based on analysis of 64 semi-structured interviews with users of four programmes, accompanied with informal fieldwork observations by the researchers as they carried out the research at the premises of service providers.

Findings
The research finds that service user perceptions of the legitimacy of programmes are closely related to their understanding of three key dimensions: first, the “authenticity” of those delivering the service; second, the instrumental (in broad terms) gains they expect from engagement; and third, their understanding of the identity and ethos of the programme.

Originality/value
The paper adds important understanding based on service user perceptions in a period when service provision is being diversified. Further directions for other research are identified and it is recognised that a limitation of the current study is that it incorporates a sample drawn from one area.

Citation

Rowe, M., Irving, A., & Soppitt, S. (2018). The legitimacy of offender management programmes in a post-TR landscape. Safer Communities, 17(2), 69-80. https://doi.org/10.1108/sc-07-2017-0028

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Online Publication Date: Jan 8, 2018
• Publication Date: Mar 20, 2018
• Deposit Date: May 14, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: May 20, 2024
• Journal: Safer Communities
• Print ISSN: 1757-8043
• Publisher: Emerald
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 17
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 69-80
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/sc-07-2017-0028