How Serious Is Debt Among Probation Clients? A Study Into the Prevalence and Scope of Debt in a Dutch Probation Sample

Although studies point to a relationship between debt and crime, there is a limited understanding of their reciprocal relationship and possible mediating risk factors. Moreover, knowledge about the prevalence and scope of debt among offenders is lacking. Therefore, the present study analyzed 250 cli...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of offender therapy and comparative criminology 2022-02, Vol.66 (2-3), p.186-208
Main Authors: van Beek, Gercoline, de Vogel, Vivienne, van de Mheen, Dike
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Child
Childhood
Clients
Crime
Criminals
Debt
Health status
Humans
Mental health
Offenders
Parole & probation
Physical education
Prevalence
Probation
Probation service
Recidivism
Relapse
Risk assessment
Risk Factors
Supervision
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Summary:Although studies point to a relationship between debt and crime, there is a limited understanding of their reciprocal relationship and possible mediating risk factors. Moreover, knowledge about the prevalence and scope of debt among offenders is lacking. Therefore, the present study analyzed 250 client files including risk assessment data from the Dutch probation service on the prevalence of debt and possibly related risk factors. The results show that debt is highly prevalent and complex, which underlines the importance of acquiring more knowledge about debt as a potential risk factor for relapse during supervision. It was found that problems with regard to childhood and living situation, education and work/daytime activities, and mental and physical health may be possible underlying risk factors in the relationship between debt and crime. These insights can help professionals adequately support clients with regard to debt in order to prevent recidivism.
ISSN:0306-624X
1552-6933
DOI:10.1177/0306624X20981036