Understanding Desistance in Safeguarding Contexts
Dr Hanson explains that desistance refers to the process of moving away from criminal behaviour. Research shows that most people who offend do so in adolescence or early adulthood, and the likelihood of reoffending drops significantly over time.
“Criminal history is time-sensitive – older offences become less relevant.”
He stresses that safeguarding should not rely solely on static records. Instead, decision-makers need to understand whether someone’s life circumstances, values or risk profile have changed. Tools like Static-99R can help, but should always be used with professional judgment and contextual awareness.
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Balancing Caution with Opportunity
Hiring someone with a conviction is rarely straightforward. Dr Hanson outlines several factors that safeguarding leads should consider beyond the offence itself:
● Age at the time of the offence
● How much time has passed since it occurred
● Whether the offence is relevant to the role in question
In some cases, as with sexual offences, the window for sustained monitoring may be longer. But blanket exclusions can ignore important nuances. Dr Hanson notes that criminal histories should not be treated as permanent red flags, but as points for deeper assessment.
“A criminal history is not always a red flag – it is a conversation starter.”
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Faith Communities and the Path to Reintegration
Faith-based organisations have unique opportunities to support desistance. Stable housing, supportive relationships, and meaningful activity are key to reducing risk. Faith communities can offer these elements, but Dr Hanson cautions that this must be done with clear boundaries, structured support and a strong safeguarding framework.
He shares a practical example: a factory that chose to employ a young man living in his van. The hiring committee took a measured risk - one that helped him stabilise and reintegrate. Safeguarding professionals must be ready to navigate similar tensions with clarity and care, drawing on structured risk-assessment tools alongside more nuanced, context-aware approaches that account for the broader realities of desistance and reintegration.
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What You Will Learn in the Full Episode
● How to assess criminal history in light of desistance and personal change
● Why safeguarding frameworks should consider the passage of time and relevant context
● How faith communities can responsibly support reintegration without compromising safety
Listen to Episode 6 of Faithful Safeguarding with Dr Karl Hanson wherever you get your podcasts. Or, if you prefer to read, explore the condensed interview version in our magazine series.
