From Surveillance to Support: Enabling Hope in Probation

Abstract

This article explores the role of hope in probation practice, drawing on a qualitative study of hope in probation, we reflect on key considerations for modern correctional policy. We start by arguing that whilst hope can be understood as a psychological construct it can also take moral and political forms that can shape correctional legitimacy for both practitioners and people on probation. If probation services want to truly be institutions of hope then we suggest that it is these more social forms of hope which they should focus on.