© British Association of Social Workers
The Cumbrian Reparation Scheme
David Smith worked as a probation officer for several years before moving in 1976 to Lancaster University where he lectures in social work.
Harry Blagg is lecturer in social policy at Lancaster University. His research interests have shifted in recent years from Soviet social policy to current issues of crime and criminal justice.
Correspondence to David Smith, Lecturer in Social Work, Department of Social Administration, University of Lancaster, Fylde College, Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4YF
Summary
This paper discusses an experimental ‘reparation’ scheme run by the probation service in Cumbria. A general context is provided by an analysis of some varieties of mediation and reparation, and the scheme is then placed within its local organizational context, which meant that it drew its work from juvenile liaison panels established by the police. The paper argues that the panels suffered from the lack of a clear commitment to diversion from prosecution on the part of the police, and that the reparation scheme was used as part of the probation service's effort to increase the use of cautions. The practice of reparation and the experiences victims and offenders had of it are then reviewed. Offenders generally viewed the scheme more positively than victims, but some victims were glad of the opportunity to be involved in something which might be helpful to young offenders. In conclusion, it is argued that despite the contradictions which were evident in the practice of reparation in this setting, there may still be scope for innovative work by social work agencies in relation to victims of crime.