The Helping Alliance in Juvenile Probation

Abstract

Over the past 20 years, much has been learned about the elements of effective correctional interventions through a body of literature known as "what works." The primary foci within this literature are assessment, treatment models, and treatment setting. Relatively little is said about the specific knowledge, attitudes and skill sets that correctional staff should possess to be effective change agents, or about the importance of the relationships that form between correctional staff and the offenders they serve. This stands in contrast to the counseling profession, where the therapeutic, or helping, alliance has long been viewed as an intermediate criterion of counseling effectiveness. The purpose of this article is to examine the role of the helping alliance in juvenile probation settings. Strategies for facilitating the development of the helping alliance and suggestions for future research are discussed.

Conceptualising ‘The Relationship’ in Intensive Key Worker Support as a Therapeutic Medium

“…not dependent on the particular 'treatment' intervention (be it e.g. behavioural, cognitive or psychodynamic) nor the context of that intervention (Matthews and Hubbard, 2007). In relationship-based work therefore, it is argued that unless a good 'therapeutic alliance' is formed, it may well be that nothing very productive emerges from the relationship; the relationship itself does a lot of the therapeutic work (Gilligan, 2004;Howe, 1998).…”

A Review of the Creative Group Work Training Program for Facilitators

“…This has diverted attention from process factors and led to an over-reliance on manualized content. Matthews and Hubbard (2007) suggest that the RNR model does not adequately attend to the group participants' relationships with their therapist(s)/facilitator(s), other group members, and/or treatment program staff, nor does it attend to how these relationships can affect the success of the treatment program.…”

“…Researchers have used a variety of terms for the constellation of qualities found to enhance the therapeutic alliance and group cohesion (Ackerman & Hilsenroth, 2003;Harkins & Beech, 2007;Marshall, 2005;Marshall & Burton, 2010;Marshall et al, 2003;Marshall et al, 2002;Marshall et al, 2005;Matthews & Hubbard, 2007;Orsi, Lafortune, & Brochu, 2010;Ross et al, 2008;Sandhu & Rose, 2012;Serran et al, 2003). Some attributes such as warmth, empathy, genuineness, respect, humor, and collaboration are fairly self-explanatory (Truax & Carkhuff, 1967).…”

Signs of Resistance? Swedish Probation Officers' Attitudes towards Risk Assessments

“…Drawing on Paparozzi and Gendreaus (2005) study of intensive supervision parolees, the authors argue that it is this unique blend of law enforcement and social casework that not only defines the probation officers, but it also makes for the best results in terms of reducing recidivism. Matthews and Hubbard (2008) offer another description, focusing probation work with juvenile offenders. In contrasting probation officers with counseling professions, the authors address the lack of interest being paid to "the specific knowledge, attitudes and skill sets that probation officers should possess to be effective change agents"; a knowledge they define as 100 the missing link in What Works (Matthews and Hubbard 2008: 105).…”