Informed consent in probation and parole settings

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the complex factors associated with informed consent in probation and parole settings.

Design/methodology/approach

The author conducted a literature review exploring informed consent in correctional settings. To identify articles for review, the author searched electronic peer-reviewed literature databases for articles on: informed consent, corrections, probation, parole, voluntariness, and coercion.

Findings

There is evidence in the literature to suggest that the informed consent process is significantly more complicated within correctional settings than in civilian contexts. The use of implicit and explicit coercion and determining an offender’s voluntariness status may be a problematic prospect unique to the setting. This manuscript makes recommendations to ensure informed consent is truly obtained and to safeguard client welfare.

Originality/value

There is a paucity of literature on providing mental health services in probation and parole settings. Furthermore, this paper is unique in discussing factors associated with the informed consent process in that context.

Citation

Yeates, K. (2015), "Informed consent in probation and parole settings", Journal of Criminal Psychology, Vol. 5 No. 4, pp. 279-286. https://doi.org/10.1108/JCP-12-2014-0018