The impact of training and coaching on the development of practice skills in youth justice: findings from Australia

Abstract

A number of studies have found that the skills and practices of probation and parole officers, and others who supervise offenders in the community, have an impact on the recidivism rates of offenders under supervision. There is evidence to suggest, however, that evidence based practice skills are not used routinely in probation and parole supervision. The limited amount of research in this area suggests that while some probation officers may have a natural pre-disposition towards the use of effective practice skills, training and coaching may increase the level of skills of most probation officers. The studies which have been undertaken to date, however, have been done with relatively small samples rather than across whole organisations. This chapter reports on a study undertaken in Queensland Youth Justice which aimed to increase the skill levels of probation officers. It was found that the use of pro-social modelling and relationships skills increased following training and coaching, however, the use of problem solving and cognitive behavioural techniques remained low both before and after training and coaching.