In the last episode of the series, we focus on volunteerism, in particular on the work of CoSA (Circles of Support and Accountability). CoSA is a community-based initiative operating on restorative principles. CoSA assists individuals who have been convicted of a serious sexual offence(s) in their efforts to live a life free of crime and harmful behaviour.  These individuals, who are referred to as Core Members, participate in the programme voluntarily. The aim of the Circle is to prevent...

In this episode, Colm takes a road trip to the south east to visit Treo Port Lairge, a Community Based Organisation based in Waterford city.  Treo Port Lairge works with young adults aged 16+. Through its range of programmes, Treo facilitates more positive lifestyle choices by participants, reduces their criminal activity and encourages progression to further education, training and employment. Treo has been in Waterford since 2000 and moved to their current location in 2016.

In today’s episode, Colm explores the subject of Restorative Justice. The Probation Service is committed to strengthening a victim-sensitive approach to criminal offending and Colm speaks to Emma Gunn, Senior Probation Officer in the Restorative Justice and Victim Services Unit in the Probation Service, to explore the concept of Restorative Justice, what it is, and how it works.  Colm also has an in-depth discussion with James Gough, whose sister Mary was murdered in 2001, devastating her...

For today’s episode we are discussing Community Based Organisations, or CBOs. The Probation Service funds Community Based Organisations all around the country. They can provide a range of different services to adult and young offenders in local communities, including training and education, offending behaviour programmes, residential accommodation, and drug and alcohol treatment programmes.  Colm takes a trip out to Candle Community Trust. Based in Ballyfermot and established in 1978, Candle...

Colm chats with Probation Service staff Mark Wilson and Niamh O’Carroll.  Mark Wilson is the Director of the Probation Service, responsible for the overall delivery of services; he also has extensive experience in the criminal justice sector.  Niamh O’Carroll is a Probation Officer on the Dublin Homeless Team. She’s been with the Probation Service over two years, but with 10 years’ experience in social care and social practice. This episode covers the role of the Probation Service and what a...

Colm O’Regan talks candidly to Neil and Derek. Neil is a Senior Probation Officer and Derek was a Probation Service Client, and in this episode they talk about their relationship, working together, challenges and difficulties and how positive partnerships are a crucial element to successful outcomes in Probation. This episode contains some strong language.

Colm O'Regan presents On Probation, a podcast all about the Probation Service in Ireland. In this podcast series, Colm explores the work of the Probation Service: What does it mean to be on probation? What does a Probation Officer do? What is it like for someone to be on probation? And ultimately, does probation work? Many of us seem to have at least some understanding of the various aspects of the Criminal Justice System in Ireland, like the role of the Gardaí, the court system, and the...