Challenges of the Probation System in a Pandemic Context

As is well known, the field of social assistance is extremely wide. At first glance, the idea of support is predominant. However, one of the exceptions to the rule is the work carried out in the probation system. Thus, here the specific function is blurred, namely the one through which there must be certain solidarity between the case manager and the client. Overcoming this unfortunate moment in the life of the convict in a state of freedom requires a greater opportunity to guide them in finding the path to social reintegration. The objective of this paper would be to establish the ways in which the probation services rethought their surveillance and assistance work during the state of emergency and alert, respectively, established in Romania to limit the spread of COVID19. In order to respond to this proposed goal, we will use as methodological tools the questionnaire applied at the level of the six territorial probation services and respectively an analysis of social documents, namely the one that will address the relationship between the service and the courts on the possibility of changing the sentence – freedom of measures and obligations of the convict. The professionalism of probation workers was the main argument that contributed to obtaining in these conditions approximately the same results as in the period before the pandemic. The agglomeration of probation services with activities that had to be carried out for the implementation of the supervision plan and not only, is reflected much more strongly in the current working conditions. It is clear that this reality caused by the effects of the virus has generally changed human relationships and we find that the development of natural social interactions collateral to formal activities between various participants in society have readapted, disappeared or arisen in unpredictable forms until recently.


Keywords: probation system, challenges, pandemia, solutions