The family situation of wards under the supervision of court - appointed custodians during COVID-19 pandemic in Poland: a self-report study to examine the perception of probation officers. [version 1; peer review: 2 approved]

Background: The Polish Probation Service is strongly linked to social work. This text presents how the work and the problems of clients have changed in the Polish Probation Service during the COVID-19 pandemic. The article presents empirical data. Methods: A questionnaire was used among 216 Polish probation officers. Results: The obtained results describe the changes in the problems experienced by clients of the Probation Service during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions: Since we can expect further increase in the frequency of occurring personal and social problems experienced by court-appointed custodians’ wards, financial resources and energy of social institutions, cooperation with court guardianship should be focused on psycho-educational campaigns concentrating on providing information on symptoms of problems in the mental and emotional sphere. Preventing exclusion of groups at risk in the labour market and supporting families to prevent the escalation of psychopathology, development of addictions and domestic violence should be priority areas.