Quality vs. the Illusion of Quality

This webinar will explore how governance, oversight, and accountability influence the quality of probation and youth justice services. Drawing on experiences from England and Wales and the United States, speakers – Robin Moore and Chris Cirrito – will examine the difference between genuine quality and the appearance of compliance, highlighting how performance measures and responses to high caseloads, limited resources, and organizational pressures can create an illusion of success.

The discussion will cover the role of inspectorates and oversight bodies, lessons from youth justice reforms, and the challenges of delivering meaningful community supervision. Participants will also reflect on the opportunities and risks associated with emerging technologies, including AI, and the importance of maintaining professional judgement and human oversight.

The session aims to encourage critical reflection on what truly constitutes quality in criminal justice practice and how organisations can move beyond measuring compliance towards achieving better outcomes.

This joint webinar represents a further step forward in our transatlantic partnership. Under the Biennial Action Plan, CEP and APPA will co-host a series of webinars and podcasts designed to foster meaningful exchange between U.S. states and European jurisdictions. The goal is to share best practices, spark innovation, and strengthen community corrections on both sides of the Atlantic.