Selected elements of the work of a probation officer for family and juvenile cases

Abstract

The presented article concerns the issues related to the work of a family probation officer in relation to the history, methodology, theory and professional ethics. The subject of the discussion are selected (the most important in the author's opinion) elements of the work, and the aim is to highlight the role of the probation officer in the environment of the charges, aspects of the entrusted tasks and conditions for effective conduct of the process of rehabilitation. The article deals with issues important from both theoretical and practical perspective. It indicates specific difficulties in conducting the process of rehabilitation in the area of family probation. Necessary elements in the area of work with juveniles and family, as well as forms and methods used in the undertaken activities have been specified. Theoretical considerations are presented from the perspective of many years of experience as a probation officer. The text presents statistical data relating to the actual workload (on the example of the chosen court). It is an attempt to indicate the work culture of the probation officer, aspects of entrusted tasks and conditions for effective resocialization. It indicates the essential (subjectively) elements in the work area with juveniles and family and the multitude of forms and methods used in the actions taken by the family probation officer. Theoretical considerations are supplemented by statistics on the actual workload (on the example of a chosen court). The article may serve as an introduction to further theoretical considerations and may provide practical guidelines for the activities of probation officers.