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Working with Gypsy and Traveller offenders

Gypsy and Traveller communities have a marginalized status in the UK, facing specific problems such as low levels of literacy, poor health outcomes and high levels of homelessness. There has been very little research into Traveller offenders’ experiences of probation, or, for that matter, of their experiences in the criminal justice system generally. In light of this, Thames Valley probation commissioned the ‘Working with Gypsies and Travellers’ study to explore the needs of Gypsy and Traveller offenders subject to probation supervision. This article highlights some of the core findings from this research, drawing on the suggestions and insights of officers and of Travellers themselves to make constructive recommendations for best-practice. Addressing the needs of Gypsy and Traveller offenders does not require large scale expenditure by the probation service. However, improved socio-cultural awareness combined with a number of modest adaptations in provision could lead to improved outcomes for this group.