EVALUATIONS OF YOUTH PROBATIONERS AND PROBATION SPECIALISTS ON PROBATION PRACTICES

Abstract

This research aimed to examine the views of juveniles and probation specialists on the probation system and to put forward some suggestions on effective social work practices in the probation system. In this qualitative study, the phenomenology design was used. The study group of the research determined using the purposive sampling method comprises 30 juvenile justice-involved aged between 19-25 and 20 probation specialists. Five sub-themes were identified as: getting consultancy services, meeting psychosocial needs, developing cognitive and behavioral skills, raising awareness about substance use, changing friend circle. According to data from in-depth interviews, the probation system is considered a system that generally meets some basic psychosocial needs of young people; provides cognitive and behavioral awareness of the effects of substance abuse but cannot fully touch the lives of young people. The education and improvement programs in the probation system should be revised in accordance with the needs of the youth.