Abstract: Submission #27

Abstract This paper presents the findings of a study which explored the supervision of probation officers (POs) in SA. The research design was mixed methodology & involved POs and their supervisors. This paper presents the findings from the perspectives of the supervisors which were gathered through in-depth qualitative interviews. The study found that most supervisors did not hold any postgraduate qualification in probation practice and/or in supervision. Their key performance areas included performing management & human resources tasks, overseeing the implementation of a variety of programmes, mentoring & supervision to DSD-funded organisations. Key challenges regarding supervision of POs included some provisions of national supervision policy such as appointment of supervisors, finding time for supervision, irregular supervision, postponement of cases at courts, lack of expertise knowledge & experience in probation practice, reliance on NGOs for intervention programmes, and lack of resources. Most supervisors were too stressed and not coping with their workload, As a result this affected the nature and frequency of supervision they provide to POs. The paper is concluded by recommendations regarding education and training curriculum for supervision of POs and suggestions for DSD to overcome the challenges that have been identified in the study.