NCJ Number
187761
Journal
On Good Authority Volume: 3 Issue: 6 Dated: December 1999 Pages: 1-4
Date Published
December 1999
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article describes and evaluates the Enhanced Domestic Violence Probation (EDVP) Program in Champaign County, IL.
Abstract
The EDVP program, developed by the Champaign County Probation and Court Services Department, focuses on victim safety, offender accountability, and early intervention. Offenders in the program are expected to complete the requirements of a three-phase supervision system in 6 months. There is a risk/needs assessment prior to each phase and upon program completion. The program also includes Family Life Skills and CHANGE. Family Life Skills is a private counseling program centered around teaching life skills to both the aggressor and the victim. CHANGE is a private batterer intervention program of 24 consecutive group sessions designed to confront denial, minimization, and patterns of thinking that block the ability to make responsible choices. Most EDVP participants also receive substance abuse treatment. Program evaluators with the Center for Legal Studies at the University of Illinois at Springfield conducted a yearlong implementation and preliminary impact evaluation of the project. They suggested that the program continue to develop cooperative relationships with various criminal justice and community agencies to provide consistent and effective domestic violence offender programming while ensuring the safety of victims. Figures, table