The influx of foreigners into Poland has been steadily increasing over the last few years, a result of the country becoming a more attractive place to work, study and live. The war in Ukraine has also played a significant role in this situation. However, some foreigners come into conflict with the law and may be placed under the supervision of a probation officer. Working with foreigners requires particular sensitivity to cultural, linguistic, social, and normative differences, which may affect the quality of the helping relationship and the effectiveness of rehabilitation measures. The aim of the study was to explore the specific nature of probation officers’ work with foreigners and to identify the problems and resources emerging in the probation officer–client relationship. This relationship was understood as an encounter with the “Other,” requiring dialogue, openness, and readiness to overcome cultural barriers. The study falls within the fields of intercultural pedagogy and cultural criminology. A qualitative approach was applied, using semi-structured interviews conducted with 15 probation officers working in Polish urban areas with the highest numbers of foreigners. The analysis of the research material was based on three dimensions of the relationship with the “Other”: axiological, praxeological, and epistemological. The findings indicate numerous barriers in working with foreigners, especially linguistic, cultural, institutional, and legal ones. The importance of probation officers’ intercultural competences, an individualized approach to the client, cooperation with the local community, and a system of specialized training was also emphasized. Effective work with foreigners requires knowledge, flexibility, commitment, and the development of a relationship based on trust and dialogue.

Authors:
Łukasz Wirkus, University of Gdańsk, Poland
Anna Babicka-Wirkus, Pomeranian University in Slupsk, Poland

About the Presenter(s)
Dr Łukasz Wirkus is currently an Assistant Professor at the Department of Social Pathology and Rehabilitation, Institute of Education, University of Gdańsk. He is a Probation Officer and Head of a Probation Centre in Regional Court.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Friday Schedule

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