Informed consent as a requirement for probation work with (in)voluntary clients: Probationers’ and probation officers’ perspectives

Abstract

Offenders’ consent is incorporated in Croatian legislation as a necessary element for the execution of probation measures and sanctions. However, legal provisions, which are in accordance with contemporary European recommendations, provide only a basic framework for the implementation of such measures and sanctions. In this article, we argue that some elements of consent may be questionable and that changes to related practices are possible. After describing legal documents on this topic, we present the results of focus groups with probation officers and probationers with regard to the implementation of consent. Their perceptions and personal experiences provided us with valuable insights about and for practice and served as additional support for future recommendations.