How five shillings, faith and belief inspired the beginning of the Probation Service and its transformation into the multi-faith probation and chaplaincy service of today.
Did you know the forerunner of the modern Probation Service was set up in the courts of Victorian London with a donation of just five shillings?
This was a world where there was desperate poverty and hardship endured by many. Early work undertaken by missionaries included setting up jobs, accommodation and opportunities.
Some of the tales are heart-breaking – a boy turned out onto the streets after his father sold his boots to buy beer. But there was hope!
Many were placed on farms and elsewhere and learned skills including poultry, pig and cattle farming as well as trades.
The exhibition is also about the professionalism of the present day Probation Service, which employs 19,000 people in England and Wales, managing almost a quarter of a million people on probation.
More than a century later, through an evidence-based approach, we’re still ensuring people on probation receive education and training through their Community Payback work which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.
The early pioneers would surely appreciate the monitoring work that the Probation Service does to reduce the influence of alcohol. It also has a commitment to provide accommodation across the country to reduce reoffending.
