Kate’s insight into probation strategies
AN EDGE Hill University student has been working with some of the most vulnerable members of society to encourage them to lead a crime-free life.
Kate Mannion, a final year student studying the BSc (Hons) Psychosocial Analysis of Offending Behaviour course, has undertaken a placement at Merseyside Community Rehabilitation Company (CRC).
Working with vulnerable individuals, Kate has been providing emotional and practical support to people on probation and has been looking at tackling the underlying causes of crime.
Kate said: “My time at Merseyside CRC allowed me to gain a valuable insight into the life of a probation officer and confirm my career plans, but more importantly it allowed me to work with some of the most vulnerable people in society.
“Some of my experiences during my placement will stay with me forever, as they really shaped my perspective to recognise each person truly needs to be understood as an individual.
“Everyone has struggles and challenges they will face in life, which sometimes will be faced alone. However, someone like me could help to guide and support an individual in taking meaningful steps towards the life they have always wanted.”
Kate had to undergo vigorous training sessions prior to starting the placement as part of an extensive induction programme and her role involved shadowing case managers, learning systems, attending and observing various multi-agency meetings and assessments, attending 1-1 appointments with service users to support their needs, and prison and community visits.
Alongside other workers at Merseyside CRC, Kate also helped to set up a women’s Homeless Centre, designed to address the needs of women experiencing health and social wellbeing challenges.
Kate’s supervisor during her placement Sarah Alexander, a Resettlement Case Manager, described her as being “one of the best placements we have had” and has “made a big impact”
She said: “Kate spent a large amount of time assisting in my day to day workload, picking up new skills and being right there, involved, engaging with our service users and was absolutely fantastic with a positive, can do attitude and always came in to the office bursting with energy to get started and get involved in any way possible. “We offered her as much insight as anyone could have, which she grasped with both hands. I know she took a lot away from her experience and found it extremely beneficial to her learning.”
Dr Sean Creaney, Kate’s personal tutor and Lecturer in Psychosocial Analysis of Offending Behaviour, added: “Kate has had an opportunity to work directly with some of society’s most vulnerable adults, she should be very proud of what she has achieved on her placement.
“It has been a fantastic opportunity for her to apply some of the theory she has been taught on her degree to practice and gain first-hand experience of how the Criminal Justice System operates.”
Find out more about studying Psychosocial Analysis of Offending Behaviour here. The course at Edge Hill offers an integrated understanding of offending behaviour, from exploring the contributory factors to crime and offending, to the impact of crime on individuals, and the rehabilitation and wellbeing of offenders.