Approaches based around complexity theory are increasingly being used in the study of organisations and the delivery of services. This is the first book to explore the application of complexity theory to difficult practice issues in criminal justice and social work and is intended to stimulate debate. It brings together experts in this emerging field to address complexity theory from a range of perspectives (positivist, realist, and constructivist), providing a detailed but accessible discussion of the key issues to whole systems approaches. The chapters cover theory and research on the nature of complex adaptive systems, their application to key areas of service delivery and the efficacy and ethics of criminal justice and social work interventions. The book argues for the usefulness of applying complexity theory to address significant and intractable social problems and also challenges the reductionist approaches to solving those problems currently favoured by policy makers. It will be of interest to academics and postgraduate students in social work and criminal justice.

Substance misuse (including alcohol) and mental health problems constitute a significant proportion of the work carried out in the criminal justice system. Approaches to these often intractable problems have seen the rise of a dominant risk paradigm concerned with public protection and the use of coercion through court orders to access treatment. This original and valuable book considers notions of risk and rehabilitation in detail within the practice of those court orders, whilst contextualising them within a wider comparative literature and research base. The efficacy of these approaches, practice issues and innovations including for example therapeutic jurisprudence are analysed. Risk and rehabilitation also includes discussions of the implications for partnership working and the importance of reconfiguring the nature of rehabilitative relationships. This is a timely book as probation practice in the UK and elsewhere moves into a post 'what works' era, providing opportunities to review the evidence base for effective interventions.

At a time when criminal justice systems appear to be in a permanent state of crisis, leading scholars from criminology and theology come together to challenge criminal justice orthodoxy by questioning the dominance of retributive punishment. This timely and unique contribution considers alternatives that draw on Christian ideas of hope, mercy and restoration. Promoting cross-disciplinary learning, the book will be of interest to academics and students of criminology, socio-legal studies, legal philosophy, public theology and religious studies, as well as practitioners and policy makers.

Substance misuse (including alcohol) and mental health problems constitute a significant proportion of the work carried out in the criminal justice system. Approaches to these often intractable problems have seen the rise of a dominant risk paradigm concerned with public protection and the use of coercion through court orders to access treatment. This original and valuable book considers notions of risk and rehabilitation in detail within the practice of those court orders, whilst contextualising them within a wider comparative literature and research base. The efficacy of these approaches, practice issues and innovations including for example therapeutic jurisprudence are analysed. Risk and rehabilitation also includes discussions of the implications for partnership working and the importance of reconfiguring the nature of rehabilitative relationships. This is a timely book as probation practice in the UK and elsewhere moves into a post 'what works' era, providing opportunities to review the evidence base for effective interventions.

Understanding and Working with Substance Misusers explores the complex nature of addiction and the challenges involved in responding effectively through policy and practice. It examines the biopyschosocial elements of addiction to substances (including alcohol) and, draws together key research findings from these fields to present a new framework for integrating theory and practice. The book argues that the best way to understand addictions is as examples of "complex self organising systems", which comprise many interacting component parts. In so doing, it addresses the problem of service users presenting with multiple needs (including poly drug use, mental health problems, criminal behaviour, unemployment and relationship difficulties) and the challenges that this poses for policy makers, services commissioners and practitioners alike. This book fills the need for a text which makes the complex issues surrounding substance misuse accessible to both students and practitioners. As such, it fosters a multidisciplinary and critically reflective approach to policy and practice.

Drawing on criminology, philosophy and theology, this book develops a theory of ‘redemptive criminology’ for practice in criminal justice settings. The therapeutic impulse for the text is a focus on the individual practitioner’s ability to embrace difference with the other, to resist harsh penal measures and to bring about change from ‘the bottom up’. By challenging concepts and practices of rehabilitation, the authors argue for the possibility of redemption and for forgiveness as the starting point. Using real-life examples and an interpretative approach, the book explores the connections between victims, perpetrators and the community. The text articulates challenges for the justice system and offers new insights into punishment and retribution.

Drawing on criminology, philosophy and theology, this book develops a theory of 'redemptive criminology' for practice in criminal justice settings. The therapeutic impulse for the text is a focus on the individual practitioner's ability to embrace difference with the other, to resist harsh penal measures and to bring about change from 'the bottom up'. By challenging concepts and practices of rehabilitation, the authors argue for the possibility of redemption and for forgiveness as the starting point. Using real-life examples and an interpretative approach, the book explores the connections between victims, perpetrators and the community. The text articulates challenges for the justice system and offers new insights into punishment and retribution.

Drug use is a major challenge for public services, healthcare professionals and policy-makers all over the world. This book offers a complete overview of the issues associated with substance misuse from an interdisciplinary perspective. It begins by providing a reference guide to the different psychoactive substances, looking at the biological and psychological impact of their use. Key issues in the effect drugs have on society are then addressed, before outlining methods of recovery and therapy. Chapters include: Reflective questions to challenge readers' assumptions Case studies to help students understand the impact of substances on individuals Links to further resources to expand readers' knowledge It will be valuable reading for those studying on degrees in criminology, health, nursing, social work and counselling.

Understanding and Working with Substance Misusers explores the complex nature of addiction and the challenges involved in responding effectively through policy and practice. It examines the biopyschosocial elements of addiction to substances (including alcohol) and, draws together key research findings from these fields to present a new framework for integrating theory and practice. The book argues that the best way to understand addictions is as examples of "complex self organising systems", which comprise many interacting component parts. In so doing, it addresses the problem of service users presenting with multiple needs (including poly drug use, mental health problems, criminal behaviour, unemployment and relationship difficulties) and the challenges that this poses for policy makers, services commissioners and practitioners alike. This book fills the need for a text which makes the complex issues surrounding substance misuse accessible to both students and practitioners. As such, it fosters a multidisciplinary and critically reflective approach to policy and practice.