On Probation

In the last episode of the series, we focus on volunteerism, in particular on the work of CoSA (Circles of Support and Accountability). CoSA is a community-based initiative operating on restorative principles. CoSA assists individuals who have been convicted of a serious sexual offence(s) in their efforts to live a life free of crime and harmful behaviour.  These individuals, who are referred to as Core Members, participate in the programme voluntarily. The aim of the Circle is to prevent further victims of sexual harm. A CoSA is made up of an inner Circle of four-six volunteers and an Outer Circle of professionals working with the Core Member. Colm has a long chat with Michael Daly, CoSA Coordinator, and Gerry Donohue, CoSA volunteer. Warning: While the subject of this episode is volunteerism, we do make reference to those with convictions for sexual offences and their rehabilitation, which could be upsetting to listeners.

In this episode, Colm takes a road trip to the south east to visit Treo Port Lairge, a Community Based Organisation based in Waterford city.  Treo Port Lairge works with young adults aged 16+. Through its range of programmes, Treo facilitates more positive lifestyle choices by participants, reduces their criminal activity and encourages progression to further education, training and employment. Treo has been in Waterford since 2000 and moved to their current location in 2016.

In today’s episode, Colm 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, to explore the concept of Restorative Justice, what it is, and how it works.  Colm also has an in-depth discussion with 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.  Warning:  While this episode is about Restorative Justice, the crime of murder is discussed.

For today’s episode we are discussing Community Based Organisations, or CBOs. The Probation Service funds Community Based Organisations all around the country. They can provide a range of different services to adult and young offenders in local communities, including training and education, offending behaviour programmes, residential accommodation, and drug and alcohol treatment programmes.  Colm takes a trip out to Candle Community Trust. Based in Ballyfermot and established in 1978, Candle is deeply embedded in the community of Ballyfermot. Colm meets some clients at the Trust and also meets the staff who are truly passionate about the work they do.

Colm chats with Probation Service staff Mark Wilson and Niamh O’Carroll.  Mark Wilson is the Director of the Probation Service, responsible for the overall delivery of services; he also has extensive experience in the criminal justice sector.  Niamh O’Carroll is a Probation Officer on the Dublin Homeless Team. She’s been with the Probation Service over two years, but with 10 years’ experience in social care and social practice. This episode covers the role of the Probation Service and what a Probation Officer does, and challenges a few misconceptions about what Probation means in the context of the Irish criminal justice system.