Coaching desistance? Life coaching for offenders in a ‘who works’ environment

Smyth, GM (2014) Coaching desistance? Life coaching for offenders in a ‘who works’ environment. Probation Journal, 61.

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Abstract

This article considers the potential contribution of life coaching to work with offenders. It draws on a qualitative evaluation of a UK-based initiative which has been coaching offenders (exclusively female at the time of the fieldwork, but now also including men) in prison and in the community. The positive impact of coaching perceived by its recipients is set out and assessed against the theory of change which underpins coaching. The contribution to this process of engagement and the relationship between coach and client is also considered.