24develops. To this extent the probation order is a constructive, rather than punitive instrument of the court. Those on probation who live in a family where children are abused will most certainly require assistance which prevents further injury. This is almost certainly true even when the probationer is also the abuser! A statutory supervision order can sometimes provide the only means of entry to a family in which child injury has been caused non-accidentally. Much constructive work may follow that &dquo;foot in the door&dquo;.In those circumstances the probation officer will be working in a preventive capacity. Prevention was the key word to Seebohm and to the , Children and Young Persons Act 1969. I suspect that the Probation Service developed a reflex action to both documents. Small wonder after the lengthy negotiations in which the Service was heavily involved! _.The Service held some strong views and not all were acted on. It may be that some of the submissions will prove well-founded. Unfortunately, that may lead us to feel rather self-righteous. Not all our opinions would have been correct; not all our fears substantiated. Prevention is a valid concept not well served by trade-union-like disputes over demarcation concerning &dquo;who is responsible for preventing what&dquo;. The Probation Service has always said that the client comes first. We cannot help him without knowing and understanding, as well as responding, to the family to which he belongs.
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