Wales. The stor Works ’ moveme

Abstract Over the last decade the development of evidence-based approaches based on ‘What Works ’ has become a central principle of probation policy, but has also been subject to a number of criticisms. These have included arguments that the new methods pathologize offenders, that they ignore social causes of crime, that they ignore diversity, and that they are being implemented before their efficacy has been demonstrated. This article responds to these and other criticisms in the light of available evidence and concludes that the future for evidence-based practice looks more promising than some critics have suggested