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Short term prison sentences can have an adverse impact on family relationships, employment and housing. They are also unable to facilitate the time needed to address mental health issues and addictions. Probation therefore developed a demanding community sentence as an alternative to short prison sentences (12 months or less). Based on existing legislation and known as the Enhanced Combination Order (ECO), ECOs offer Courts a community based sentencing option in a more intensive format. It is currently available
in two Court areas.
ECOs focus on targeted interventions, restorative practice, desistance and victims work, with service users also required to complete unpaid work within their local communities (Community Service). Every person subject to an ECO is assessed by Probation psychologists, with those who need it receiving a bespoke mental health intervention. Where appropriate parenting/family support work and accredited programmes are also part of the order.
ECOs use a multi-agency approach and PBNI have developed partnerships with a range of organisations including Barnardos, Community Restorative Justice Ireland (CRJI) and NI Alternatives. As well as Probation Officers (POs), ECOs involve Probation Service Officers (PSOs), Community Service Officers and PBNI Psychologists.
The initiative has been embraced by the Judiciary and the number of short custodial sentences imposed by courts in which ECOs are available decreased by over one fifth. This reduction in custodial sentences,
with the resultant decrease in tax payer costs, was identified as a major benefit of the project. This community sentence provides value for money and positive outcomes.
This booklet will demonstrate the difference that the Order is making to people’s lives.