NCJ Number
194242
Editor(s)
Rick Faulkner
Date Published
2001
Length
50 pages
Annotation
This issue of "Topics in Community Corrections" presents an array of successful community-based justice efforts, dealing with issues from victim support to changing offender behavior through involvement of fathers.
Abstract
The common theme of the effective programs profiled is the use of collaboration in providing multidisciplinary services. The articles highlight the efforts of a variety of community corrections agencies to improve collaboration within the criminal justice system in which they operate. The first article outlines the components of collaboration: a clear, elevating goal; principled leadership; a results-driven structure; competent team members; unified commitment; standards of excellence; a collaborative climate; and external support. Another article focuses on the involvement of the community in corrections goals, such that a partnership of accountability is formed. Suggestions from practitioners on how to make partnerships work are offered in another article, followed by an article that describes how to provide strategic direction through community criminal justice boards. Seven articles describe various collaborative, community-based corrections programs. These include Operation Neighborhood Shield, a New York City program that has created community trust and reduced crime; a Connecticut policing program that has enhanced parole supervision; a San Diego County (California) plan for managing sex offenders; a fatherhood program that forces links between probation and the faith community; a program designed to counter domestic violence; a partnership to help mothers with substance abuse problems; and a program that reduces barriers to substance abuse treatment.