Resisting effective approaches for BAME offenders in England and Wales: the triumph of inertia

Abstract

Following the theme set by the previous chapters in this section; this chapter identifies practices that are useful for working with other typically marginalised groups on probation, particularly Black and Minority Ethnic Groups (BAME). The chapter is set in the context of the cancellation of Home Office programmes and interventions with BAME offenders in England and Wales, and the authors describe this as the ‘triumph of inertia, and explore why this has occurred. They contextualise the chapter with statistics about BAME communities’ experiences of the Criminal Justice System and the wider society, including institutional racism, and looks at specific Home Office strategies that have disproportionately impacted on BAME communities. Finally, the chapter includes recommendations to improve practice for people working with these groups.