Risk of Harm - Guidance and Training Resources
Activity 6-19
Problematic Processes
The following two examples demonstrate some flawed joint decision making.
Discussion 1
A newly appointed senior manager in probation is attending a MAPPP meeting for the first time. The meeting is discussing a very high risk sex offender who is being released under supervision and who is being considered for a place in approved premises in the area. The manager is worried that a serious incident will happen and doesn’t want the responsibility. Presenting the worst case scenario, the manager argues that a more appropriate placement could be made available elsewhere. Emphasising all the negatives about the offender coming to this area, the meeting is reminded that recently they have had a serious incident in this area from a similar case, which has been stressful for the staff.
The manager gains support during the meeting. This includes support from the Chair, who calls increasingly on those who share this view to speak and ignores contributions from those who don’t. Those who don’t agree are reluctant to argue strongly for the opposite view for fear of being held responsible if something does go wrong.
Discussion 2
At a meeting, an offender supervisor and a probation officer (who is the offender manager) are discussing a parole report on a high risk violent offender. The offender has made good progress during a long sentence, is attending treatment programmes and is very well liked by staff. The offender wishes to go and live with a cousin on release. They are discussing whether they can support the request or whether they should recommend that release only be considered if he lives in approved premises. At the meeting they fail to review all the information they have available, or to identify what else they need to find out. The probation officer does not really know the offender and is influenced by the very experienced offender supervisor who has strong views about how well this offender has done. Together they decide to allow the offender to live with a cousin, based on his behaviour in prison, and paying less attention to information about previous offending.
Complete the table with examples from the discussions points that illustrate the problematic processes and answer the supplementary question
Problematic Processes / Examples- Decisions seen as the only choice when in fact there may have been alternatives.
- Criteria to justify decisions are found after decision has been made.
- Allowing assessment of impact to overwhelm judgements of likelihood.
- Strong opinions dominating the discussion.
Are there any implications for your own practice?`
Activity Worksheet: Activity 6-19Page 1
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