Using attachment theory in probation practice

Attachment theory has an obvious appeal to probation practitioners because so many of those they work with have grown up with loss and abuse, and the theory focuses on the effects of early care on later development. When examined closely, however, ‘attachment theory’ is actually a morass of theory and research that is continually evolving and which comes with ambiguities and contradictions. Practitioners can rarely afford to immerse themselves in these debates however, as their role demands that they multi-task, and draw on a range of theoretical ideas. Nevertheless, as set out in this Academic Insights paper, there are ways that attachment theory can contribute to work with people on probation in conceptualising the supervisory relationship, and in understanding offending, risk and relationships. This does not mean, however, that all attachment-based ideas translate easily into the probation setting