Predicting Recidivism: The Perspectives of Both Probation Practitioners and Clients on Their Working Alliance

While there is growing evidence that the probation client-rated working alliance relates to recidivism, the practitioner's view has received little attention. This study explored that association. A sample of 176 probationer-practitioner-client dyads was used. Probation practitioner and client-ratings of the working alliance (WAMCI) at two time points were used for Cox-regression analyses. Confounders were history of previous convictions and age of first conviction. The probation-practitioner-rated working alliance was found to be associated with recidivism, even when crime history was taken into account. The combined working alliance score of the dyad was found to be strongly associated with recidivism. The largest difference is caused when both score high or low. The results indicated a substantial association between the combined probation practitioner-client ratings and recidivism in the subsequent 4 years of the clients. These findings underscore the importance of a reciprocal collaboration between the client and the probation practitioner as a crucial component in the pathway toward desistance.