The decline of the rehabilitative ideal since the 1970's has resulted in a decline in consensus regarding the nature and goals of probation work in the 1980's. SNOP emphasizes the desirability of supervising as many offenders as possible in the community, especially in cases in which custodial sentences would otherwise be imposed. However, SNOP has not been universally accepted by everyone associated with probation as the definitive model. The response of the Cleveland Probation Service in its Future Directions Document shows how one local service incorporated the language of rehabilitation while affirming what the service should be diverting offenders from. A review of offenders' records and interviews with probation officers and court officials indicated that the main challenge facing probation services in England and Wales is to include the views of both sentencers and the Home Office for intensive forms of supervision that will appear tough enough to divert more offenders from custody, while retaining the social work values generally held by probation officers. Otherwise, increasing numbers of offenders will be incarcerated. Tables and 206 references.