About the Problem Solving Module

Introduction

The problem solving module is a case work tool available for Community Probation & Psychological Services (CPPS) staff managing offenders on rehabilitative sentence or orders.

Aims

The aims of the problem solving module are to enable the offender to:

• meet all their sentence requirements
• address the rehabilitation needs that relate to their offending
• address the reintegrative issues that may constitute a barrier to effective rehabilitation, and
• deal with a range of issues through the ongoing use of a rational decision-making process.

Modifying the module

While the problem solving module is a structured process, the basic structure can be modified if the offender has non-offence related issues that need to be dealt with urgently. Not attending to these issues may slow the offender???s progress through the problem solving module.

Achieving behavioural change

To be effective, the problems being addressed must have a causal relationship with the offending behaviour. In addition, the process must be a collaborative effort rather than a directive one. To achieve change in behaviour, the offender must develop:

• their own motivation to make changes and maintain them, as well as
• the skills and processes to do so.

Pre-requisites

It is assumed that the probation officer has spent some time getting to know the:

• offender, and
• offender???s:
  • personal background, and
  • current circumstances.