Dynamics of Changes in the Structure of the Judicial Probation and Parole Service – Potential (Being) Wasted or New Perspectives? – A Research Report

<ns3:p>In Poland, the Judicial Probation and Parole Service (Kuratorska Służba Sądowa, KSS) is responsible for systemic rehabilitation of offenders under supervised freedom. Both professional and community-based probation parole officers operate within the structure of the Service. This dual model is standard for probation work within the European Union and emphasises the value of social participation in the process of rehabilitation without incarceration. Over the last decade, there has been significant restructuring within the Service, particularly in the criminal division. During the selected timeframe, from 2014 to the 2024, 11.698 community-based probation officers for adults were dismissed from service, representing 76% of the total. In the conducted research project, on the basis of an analysis of selected statistical data, the dynamics of this restructuring within the chosen timeframe were illustrated, the main causes and consequences were identified and practice recommendations were proposed.</ns3:p>