The Probation Service

To mark European Day for Victims of Crime, the Probation Service held an event to serve as vital reminder to stand in solidarity with victims and raise awareness about the support they need. Janet O’Brien, who lost her son in a one punch attack, is a tireless advocate for victims' rights and support. Janet shared her personal experience of the Restorative Justice process with the Probation Service. We really cannot thank you enough for giving us your time and courageous words, you continue to be an inspiration to all who hear your story. Many thanks to Tríona Kenny, MA, researcher in Criminology and Restorative Justice in Maynooth University for her presentation on secondary victimisation in the criminal justice system. Tríona is conducting a new research project, looking for victims of different crime types in the Republic of Ireland who wish to share their experiences of interacting with criminal justice professionals and processes. If you would like to share your experiences of engaging with the Irish criminal justice process as a victim of crime, you can find her survey link here: 🔗 https://lnkd.in/ebyhiSjy Very grateful to our interagency panellists who discussed their service, practical advice for victims, and the changes they would like to see. Thanks to Michele Puckhaber, CEO of the Crime Victims Helpline, Leanne Keely, Restorative Justice Project Worker in Tuam Community Training Centre (TCTC), Marie Foley, Irish Prison Service Victim Liaison Officer and Jason Coyle from the Parole Board. #VictimsofCrimeDay #NoVictimLeftBehind.

Today marks the launch of our Hardest Stories Campaign. From Oscar Wilde to Edna O’Brien, we pride ourselves on being a nation of storytellers. But there are some stories no one should have to tell. Stories of harassment, abuse, rape; stories of violence.   These stories are hidden in plain sight across our country, more being created every day and we’re shedding light on them now. Showcasing the humanity behind the statistics and encouraging people to join in stopping these stories.   With this campaign, we aim to shed light on not only particular stories of violence but also the fact that all too many of these stories exist. Let’s stop domestic, sexual and gender-based violence being a part of anyone’s story. For more information, see www.gov.ie/stories https://lnkd.in/gWDUqQCJ

The special twenty-first edition of the Irish Probation Journal (IPJ) is a selection of articles chosen by staff from the The Probation Service Service and the Probation Board for Northern Ireland. It is a compendium of articles from the last twenty years of the Journal, expanding the critical knowledge around all areas of probation while deepening the dialogue on criminal justice issues, particularly in the area of community-based sanctions. This landmark edition showcases the progress and achievements of the journal, reflecting the dedication and expertise of everyone involved in its journey. Olivia Keaveney, Director of Operations with the The Probation Service selected an article by Anna Connolly entitled 'Effective Practice in Probation Supervision, published in 2006. “This article has been instrumental in providing me with a clear framework and practical strategies guiding our approach to the delivery of effective probation supervision to achieve better outcomes for staff, clients and the communities we serve' 📑 'Effective Practice in Probation Supervision' ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/eurJw7TV

🎧 In episode 4 of On Probation, Colm O'Regan explores the subject of Restorative Justice. The Probation Service is committed to strengthening a victim-sensitive approach to criminal offending and Colm speaks to Emma Gunn, Senior Probation Officer in the Restorative Justice and Victim Services Unit in the Probation Service, and James Gough, whose sister Mary was murdered in 2001, devastating her family, friends and community. Following the conviction of her husband for her murder, James went through the process of Restorative Justice, culminating in a meeting between the two. We can't thank James enough for giving his time so generously to the podcast in memory of his sister Mary. Listen on Spotify 👉 https://lnkd.in/eUiZf2hx Listen on Apple 👉 https://lnkd.in/eKA7T7gV

“Coming to work every morning is a dream come true for me.” ICYMI: On RTÉ’s Drivetime this week, reporter John Cooke visited PALLS, a Community Based Organisation funded by the Probation Service in Limerick’s Dockland Business Park. Established over 15 years ago, PALLS provides individual support for purposeful change for men and women involved with the Probation Service and the criminal justice system. In the words of PALLS General Manager Michael Guerin “people are coming here with a view to moving away from the life they had when they were engaged in crime, and we do everything we can to facilitate them”. As Margaret Griffin, regional manager for the Probation Service, told Drivetime, we need to create hope and something that clients aspire to so “that their lives will be better when they’ve moved away from offending and achieving some of the very personal and very real goals that they have for themselves and for their families.” Many thanks to RTE Radio 1, John Cooke for the report, and to Michael Guerin, PALLS board member Raymond O'Halloran and all the staff and clients of PALLS for their contributions and support Listen back here: 📻 https://lnkd.in/efvTY_gr

The special twenty-first edition of the Irish Probation Journal (IPJ) is a selection of articles chosen by staff from the Probation Service and the Probation Board for Northern Ireland. Over the course of nearly two decades an extensive list of authors have enriched the journal through their research and articles, expanding the critical knowledge around all areas of probation while deepening the dialogue on criminal justice issues, particularly in the area of community-based sanctions. This landmark edition showcases the progress and achievements of the journal, reflecting the dedication and expertise of everyone involved in its journey. Gillian Montgomery, Director of Operations with the Probation Board for Northern Ireland, selected an article by Michael Donnellan and Brian McCaughey, entitled 'The Public Protection Advisory Group: A Model for Structured Co-operation' published in 2010. “Ultimately, the article reinforces that, despite the different systems and legislative challenges, North-South co-operation on criminal justice matters, currently taken forward via the Public Protection Advisory Group ... can only only enhance public safety on both sides of the border, issues as relevant in 2024 as in 2010 when the article was published" 📑 'The Public Protection Advisory Group: A Model for Structured Co-operation' here ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/eh-GmcEn

🎧 In episode 3 'On Probation', Colm O'Regan takes the show on the road to explore the world of Community Based Organisations (CBOs) and gain insight into the vital role they play in our work here at The Probation Service. Colm visits Candle Community Trust, a CBO funded by the Probation Service. Based in Ballyfermot and established in 1978, Candle is deeply embedded in the community of Ballyfermot. On his visit, Colm speaks with clients at the Trust and chats with members of the dedicated Candle staff. We'd like to thank all the clients and staff at Candle for being so generous with their time and insights. This podcast would not have been possible without them. We hope you all enjoy listening! Listen on Spotify 👉 https://lnkd.in/ebQa3dUK Listen on Apple 👉 https://lnkd.in/eNUZfDzr

👋 The Probation Service is delighted to welcome our current Social Work students on placement with us from University College Dublin, Trinity College Dublin, Maynooth University, University College Cork and Technological University of the Shannon. Practice placements constitute a significant proportion of social work education and are key to students' experiential learning of the competencies of social work. We wish you the best of luck in your placements!

Yesterday, 30th January was a special day for the Probation Service, as we gathered to recognise and celebrate the dedication, hard work, and exceptional contributions of our staff; extraordinary people inspiring change. We had the great honour of awarding Long Service Awards to staff with over 30 years’ service with the Probation Service and/or The Department of Justice. Thank you to each and every one of you for your commitment and dedication. We also celebrated the achievements of our staff across six categories. Each of the nominees were nominated by a peer or manager within the Service and then assessed by an independent awards committee who had the unenviable task of selecting the winners. Thank you to everyone who took the time to engage in the nomination process, highlighting the outstanding work of their colleagues and explaining why they’re so deserving of an award. In the words of Mark Wilson, Director of the Probation Service, (and also a recipient of a Long Service Award!) “We are here to celebrate the spirit of innovation, collaboration, dedication, mentorship, leadership, and friendship that defines the Probation Service.” Huge congratulations to all our Award winners: 1. Enhancing Community Safety  - The Dublin South Inner City Team 2. Collaboration and Engagement - The NIAPP Young Persons Probation Team 3. Coaching and Inclusion Champion - Sue Casey 4. Rising Star - Amy Hibbitts 5. Innovating Our Service - The Irish Probation Framework Steering Group. Thank you to Olivia Keaveney, Director of Operations for hosting the Awards, and to John O'Callaghan, Deputy Secretary at the Department of Justice for his kind words and presenting staff with their Long Service awards.

📝 SURVEY A new research project is looking for victims of different crime types in the Republic of Ireland who wish to share their experiences of interacting with criminal justice professionals and processes.   The project is led by Maynooth University researcher Tríona Kenny, MA, who is appealing for anyone aged 18 or over who, as an adult, has made an official complaint to An Garda Síochána as a direct victim of one or more of the included offences, to complete a 10-minute, online, anonymous survey.   The types of offences included in this project are: ~ Theft ~ Robbery ~ Burglary ~ Property damage (including arson) ~ Domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (including intimate image abuse, stalking, and kidnapping/human trafficking) ~ Assault and harassment (including attempts and threats of assault and harassment)   If you would like to share your experiences of engaging with the Irish criminal justice process as a victim of crime, you can find the survey link here: 🔗 https://lnkd.in/ebyhiSjy Please feel free to share the survey with anyone you think might be eligible and interested to participate - friends, colleagues, relatives etc.   If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about this research, please contact the researcher at triona.kenny@mu.ie.