Community service order provision : a professionals’ and comparative perspective

Abstract

The focus of this research probes the provision of Community Service Order in Malta from a professionals’ perspective. It seeks to identify the current situation of CSO’s in the local context and whether it is being enforced well enough amongst young offenders. This study was intended to prove the importance of a non custodial sentence – Community Service Order. In addition, this has been compared to the deleterious effects of incarceration. Particular reference has been made to the interviews carried out with eight professionals, three of whom were part of the Probation and Parole Services of Malta; a Magistrate; a Criminologist, a Sociologist and two Youth Workers. This study also reviewed the local literature together with Community Service in various European countries. The purpose and relevance of youth work and the youth workers were clearly examined in relation to young offenders. A qualitative research approach was adopted for this study and semi-structured interviews were conducted. The constant comparative method of analysis in the grounded theory approach developed by Glaser and Strauss was also adopted. This study found that there is a scarcity of research studies on the application and practices of Community Service Orders. In fact, it seems that a few studies suggest that some characteristics of Community Service lead to better outcomes. Young offenders should be best suited within the community; keep in contact with their families; have access to basic new skills and positive training experiences with a Service Provider. This proves to be effective in most cases to complete the order and thus helps in reducing reoffending. This study highlights the need for more research into the practice of Community Service Orders and more awareness with the public and members of the Judiciary of its beneficial functions. Finally, it is hoped that this study would be of a better guide to the Probation and Parole Services of Malta to exploit the full potential of Community Service Orders amongst young offenders.