‘Using Attachment Theory with Offenders’ by Maria Ansbro

Abstract

This article is a response to ‘Using Attachment Theory with Offenders’ by Maria Ansbro which was published in the September 2008 issue of Probation Journal. The authors describe how they have promoted the importance of attachment theory and outline how they have applied it in the context of a risk training course in which Ansbro’s article is required reading. In particular, the authors advocate the need for offender managers not only to pay greater attention to an offender’s attachment history as an essential part of the risk assessment process, but also to recognize the centrality of the quality of the professional relationship in managing risk. In addition, the authors suggest approaching OASys (Offender Assessment System) from a new perspective that takes account of attachment issues.