Working with the Probation Service

“Creating Round Holes to fit Square Pegs”

National Personality Disorder Congress 2009

Karen MillerComplex Cases ServiceCambridge

What does Linkwork Offer to Probation?

• Advice & information• Consultation• Supervision• Training• Shadowing• No bureaucracy• ‘In house service’ accessible, approachable, easy to locate• Trust in Probation staff’s judgement (that there is a need)

What does Linkwork offer to Service Users?• Quick access – usually within 2 weeks• Easy accessibility – familiar place, choice of time• Non-threatening access – challenge stigma & myth• Flexible approach• Confidentiality• Recognition & acceptance• Psychological understanding that can be shared with others• Consistency and continuity• Choice

Who else does Linkworker have contact with?•MAPPA• Judiciary• Police•Housing• Social Services• Support Workers• Prison Staff• Education Establishments•Health Service

What Services does the Linkworker Offer?• Assessment (for the Service User)• Individual support/Therapy/Case Management•Onward referral to other health provision• Advocacy/Liaison• Therapeutic groupwork• Psycho-social group (developing network)•Recently – ‘In house’, ‘tame’ psychiatrist• For some – Introduction to ‘mainstream’ CCS facilities

…..And its all voluntary on the part of the Service User•Mental Health Treatment Requirements are rare (One in 5 years)•Requirements in Community Orders have been made – but not legitimately - these are explained to Service Users (all of whom have agreed to abide by them anyway!)• Probation Staff often strike ‘deals’ with Service Users – This is strictly between Service User and Offender Manager.

The Thorny Issue of Risk …• The Linkworker often works with individuals seen as

presenting medium to high risk to others. • Self harm/risky behaviour is often hidden or couched in

behaviour revered in male culture of bravado.• Offences range from Assault through Affray to Section 18

Wounding. Domestic Violence to False Imprisonment. Shoplifting through to Burglary and Robbery. Drink and Drug related Offences. Property Damage. Intimidation with Firearms/knives. Sexual Offences. ‘Nuisance’ offences of Harassment and Summoning Emergency Services.• Child Protection Issues often arise.

What do Probation Say?• “Its helpful to have someone who knows both sides and

understands the demands of Criminal Justice – if you know that then you can use the system and make it really work. A bit like ‘fiddling the books’ but not.”• “I like M now. If I hadn’t seen what you show, I wouldn’t

have been saying that. I would have hated them.”• “I’ve learned that its not just about getting the Order done,

its more about changing lives.”• “If Probation can’t hold them, the Linkworker often can.”• “That confidentiality thing really pisses me off sometimes”• “The Linkworker doesn’t turn people away because they

don’t turn up or are too difficult. It seemed as if, with the psychiatric services, it was hopeless if the client was chaotic, ill, or not well motivated – your client had to be well enough in order to get care!”

The Service User Perspective: