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The Significance of the Judge within the Choices and Consequences and Prolific Intensive Schemes: International Lessons for England and Wales and Back again Cover

The Significance of the Judge within the Choices and Consequences and Prolific Intensive Schemes: International Lessons for England and Wales and Back again

Open Access
|Aug 2022

Figures & Tables

Table 1

Data for Courtroom Interactions for Harnessing Therapeutic Support.

HARNESSING THERAPEUTIC SUPPORT (SKILL 1)
COLUMN ACOLUMN BCOLUMN C
SUBSKILLSQUANTITATIVE SCOREQUALITATIVE DATA
The judge takes a holistic approach by considering service-users’ broader life circumstances4.6 (therapeutic)Quotes from judge:
“Have you made that appointment to see the doctor?”.
“I think this links to your negative thoughts”.
“You did well last month considering your circumstances”.
“I appreciate that you have an exceptionally difficult background and going into a programme with a stringent set of rules is difficult”.
Observations by research team:
Emphatic references to the service user’s partner as a factor in recovery. Strongly suggested that he should reconsider his partner’s role in his life.
The judge is realistic about drug and/or alcohol problems4 (therapeutic)Quotes from judge:
“I understand that this isn’t easy at all”.
“Don’t beat yourself up”.
“Occasional relapses are expected”.
“It has been a very difficult month”.
“Be emotionally and mentally ready for those bumps in the road and don’t see it as a total disaster if you do make a mistake”.
Observations by research team:
The judge changed the curfew to allow for the attendance of rehabilitation groups.
The judge has hope and faith that service-user will make progress2.6 (non-therapeutic)Quotes from judge:
“It will remain difficult, but you can do it”.
“This is a very good start”
The judge listens to the point of view of service-user3.6 (therapeutic)Quotes from judge:
“Is there anything else that you would like to raise with me?”.
“I am pleased that you have been more open with the team. I know that you find it difficult but look at the difference it’s made to you”.
The judge praises the service-user when they are doing well4 (therapeutic)Quotes from judge:
“I am extremely encouraged to see this”.
“Congratulations on an excellent month”.
“That is an incredible achievement”.
“I am really impressed”.
The judge is personable and empathetic4.5 (therapeutic)Quotes from judge:
“You look a lot better”.
“I am very proud of you”.
“We are here for you”.
“I was concerned about you last time”.
“Prioritise yourself”.
“You repeatedly put yourself in positions of vulnerability”.
The judge reiterates goals so that they are clear4.6 (therapeutic)Quotes from judge:
“Call if you can’t remember your goals”.
“Remember to write me a letter and engage with probation”.
“Please remember to consult the community rehabilitation company”.
Observations by research team:
The judge was very clear on the goal setting part of the review and emphasised goals that were felt to be particularly important.
The judge motivates service-user3.5 (therapeutic)Quotes from judge:
“Keep doing what you are doing”.
“You need to push yourself to do well”.
“Good luck”.
“Well done”.
“Keep it up”.
“I hope this is the first of many”.
“I am pleased with your work – just keep going”.
Overall score:3.95 (therapeutic)
Table 2

Data for Courtroom Interactions for Engaging Therapeutic Dialogue.

ENGAGING THERAPEUTIC DIALOGUE (SKILL 2)
COLUMN ACOLUMN BCOLUMN C
SUBSKILLSQUANTITATIVE SCOREQUALITATIVE DATA
The judge empowers service-user during conversation3.8Quotes from judge:
“I urge you to continue to progress over the next month”.
“I know you want that as well”
“I believe you can do this”
“You need to make that choice”.
Observations by research team:
The judge would hand some responsibility for goal setting over to the service-user.
The judge spoke slowly, clearly, and loudly4 (therapeutic)Observations by research team:
The judge slowed down when the service-user asked for clarity.
The judge spoke using clear English.
The service-user stood closer in proximity to the judge enabling them to hear clearly.
The judge does not rush or interrupt when service-user is speaking4.1 (therapeutic)Observations by research team:
The judge makes eye contact.
The judge encouraged participation from the service-user.
The judge is sincere4.3 (therapeutic)Quotes from judge:
“I am glad it is going well”.
“You need to speak to your doctor about that”.
“The court’s sympathy will not last beyond another breach”.
“You haven’t given me cause for optimism… Prove me wrong”.
“Otherwise it will have to be a custodial sentence”
Observations by research team:
They clearly were having a sincere conversation after a bad month with the service-user saying, “anything you want, judge” when setting new goals.
The judge is attentive when service-user is speaking4.3 (therapeutic)Quotes from judge:
“I completely understand”.
“That is a very good idea”.
“That is exactly what we need to hear”.
Observations by research team:
The judge would look up from the written report when the service-user was talking.
Judge nods to show understanding.
Overall score:4.1 (therapeutic)
Table 3

Data for Courtroom Interactions for Inspiring Therapeutic Change.

INSPIRING THERAPEUTIC CHANGE (SKILL 3)
COLUMN ACOLUMN BCOLUMN C
SUBSKILLSQUANTITATIVE SCOREQUALITATIVE DATA
The judge allows participant to ask questions4.4 (therapeutic)Observations by research team:
The judge would check if there were any remaining questions before finishing the review.
The judge invites questions from service-user to be directed at any member of the team.
The judge is realistic when we set my goals for next review4 (therapeutic)Quotes from judge:
“Pay your rent arrears”.
“Engage with your courses”.
“If you don’t get the job, don’t lose heart”.
Observations by research team:
There was an understanding that progress will be slow, and so goals were set incrementally.
The judge helps build upon strengths3.4 (therapeutic)Quotes from judge:
“Please continue to engage with the support”.
“I think it will be helpful for you to demonstrate a week free from alcohol and drugs”.
Observations by research team:
The judge frequently encourages them to see the positives and highlights things they can be proud of about their behaviour and progress.
Various outcomes were explored to encourage (name) to consider how to manage them.
The judge makes service-user feel positive about the future3.2 (therapeutic)Quotes from judge:
“I am very pleased that you got onto the programme”
“This is a very good report”
“Let’s leave this on a positive”.
“Good luck for the next one”.
“I am encouraged by the progress over the last few weeks”.
Overall score:3.75 (therapeutic)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36745/ijca.442 | Journal eISSN: 2156-7964
Language: English
Page range: 6 - 6
Published on: Aug 10, 2022
Published by: International Association for Court Administration
In partnership with: Paradigm Publishing Services

© 2022 Anna Kawalek, Jake Phillips, Anne-Marie Greenslade, published by International Association for Court Administration
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.