Supporting change, not just managing risk.
Working with people who have offended can be challenging, complex and, at times, frustrating. But it can also be incredibly rewarding.
Behind every offence is a story — and behind every person is potential. When we move away from seeing people only through the lens of their offending, we create space for change, growth, and accountability.
Here are 10 practical tips for anyone working with people to address offending behaviour.
Change doesn’t happen without trust. Many people in the criminal justice system have experienced judgement, rejection, or services that didn’t meet their needs.
Slow down, listen, and show up consistently. Trust is the foundation for everything else.
Nobody is the sum total of their worst decision.
Yes, risk needs managing — but look for the strengths too. What skills do they have? What have they survived? What motivates them? People are more likely to change when they feel seen beyond their label.
Offending behaviour is rarely random. It’s often a response to trauma, poor coping skills, or survival in difficult circumstances.
Explore what sits underneath their actions. Anger might really be fear. Aggression might really be shame. Theft might really be poverty.
Understanding leads to better interventions.
Change work isn’t about being soft — it’s about being clear.
Set expectations early. Be honest about what’s acceptable, what isn’t, and what the consequences of choices might be. Boundaries create safety for everyone.
Interventions work best when they’re practical. People need tools — not just talk.
Help them learn skills like:
These are life skills — not just offence-reduction strategies.
Big change can feel overwhelming, especially for someone with a history of setbacks or failure.
Break things down into small, achievable goals. Celebrate progress — even if it’s tiny. Success builds confidence.
People need to be challenged — but how we do it matters.
Avoid shaming. Instead, ask questions that promote reflection:
“How did that decision work out for you?”
“What might you do differently next time?”
“How did that impact others?”
Challenge with care. Hold people accountable and hold onto hope for them.
Offending doesn’t happen in a vacuum.
Consider the lifestyle factors that increase risk:
Supporting change means supporting the whole person.
Change is more powerful when people are in the driving seat.
Ask:
“What’s worked for you before?”
“What needs to change in your life to avoid reoffending?”
“What support do you think you need?”
Involvement increases ownership.
Relapse, setbacks, and resistance are normal parts of change.
Stay consistent. Stay hopeful. Sometimes it’s the 5th, 10th, or 20th conversation that plants the seed for change.
Your role isn’t always to see the end result — sometimes it’s just to move someone one step forward from where they were.
Working with offending behaviour isn’t about fixing people. It’s about creating the conditions where people can take responsibility, develop new skills, and build better futures.
It’s about balance — challenge and support. Boundaries and compassion. Accountability and hope.
Most of all, it’s about remembering that change is always possible — sometimes it just starts with one person believing in them.
By Jonathan Hussey