Ethics in probation services

The terms ethics, applied ethics, professional ethics and professional ethos, as well as important competencies, culture and cultural understanding, interculturality, empathy, emotions, motivation and prejudices are presented by way of introduction. The processes in probation services are explained and considered in the context of the competencies as well as the requirements and challenges with regard to ethical relevance and normative systematics, and ethical reflection in accordance with the professional ethos is discussed. The various dimensions of probationary services from an ethical perspective are analyzed and challenges, but also contradictions, are highlighted. The aspirations set out in particular by the mission statement of probation services and the ethical standards of social work in Austria are reflected on in the context of the reality of practice. Furthermore, the acquisition and improvement of skills in the context of training and further education with regard to ethical aspects are presented. Finally, the questions are summarized and answered in a résumé.