Probation and Social Work on Trial Violent Offenders and Child Abusers [Paperback]

The Baby Peter and Dano Sonnex incidents were high profile cases in which two key public services, namely child protection and probation, both failed in their tasks of protection of the victims and the public. In this book the author graphically describes media and political reactions and then proceeds to analyze the common problems both social work and probation practice face under conditions of economic recession and drastic reductions in funding. This new paperback version comes with a foreword from Shadd Maruna, Professor of Justice and Human Development and Director of the Institute of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Queen's University, Belfast, UK.Foreword from Professor Shadd Maruna at Queen's University, Belfast.Acknowledgements Introduction Media Responses Family, Community and Violence Political Responses and Inquiries The Demise of Probation and Social Service Practice Conclusions Bibliography Index

Fitzgibbon applies an in-depth and nuanced critique, incorporating a historical perspective and providing a comprehensive

account through an interrogation of wider changes within society. [It] is an important, timely and thought-provoking account. - Criminal Law and Criminal Justice

'In a sense, the core message of the book that risk is likely to be reduced, that tragic deaths have a greater chance of being averted, and that people are more likely to be helped to be constructive citizens by in-depth, face-to-face contact with skilled, commit-ted practitioners with sufficient time and resources is stating the obvious. Nevertheless, all of us who are interested in considered, person-centred responses to the complex problems faced by individuals and communities should thank Wendy Fitzgibbon for stating it in such a sensitive, persuasive and eloquent fashion.'

- Criminology and Criminal Justice

'In this work Dr Fitzgibbon is to be applauded for the way that she has directed her alc~