NCJ Number
223943
Journal
Journal of Offender Rehabilitation Volume: 47 Issue: 3 Dated: 2008 Pages: 248-270
Date Published
2008
Length
23 pages
Annotation
In an attempt to begin the development of a systematic and structured training agenda for the future of probation, specifically the role of the probation officer, this study describes and evaluates the process of service delivery within a probation context.
Abstract
The findings suggest a lack of follow through between the assessment and case management. Assessments are completed according to policy but much of the information from the assessment fails to make it into the Intervention Plan. Analyses of the audiotapes showed that identified criminogenic needs were not discussed in the majority of cases. In examining the audiotapes further, it was found that some probation officers demonstrated warmth, openness, encouragement, and other indicators of a positive relationship. The relationship factors did not predict recidivism. Relationship oriented therapies alone do not reduce recidivism; structuring skills are also needed. Along the structuring and directive dimensions of interpersonal influence, it was found that as with relationship skills, probation officers could do more. Community supervision has been an integral part of corrections since the establishment of probation more than 100 years ago. It was assumed that offenders benefited from community supervision much more than incarceration. However, empirical evidence questions the assumption supporting the effectiveness of community supervision in reducing recidivism. The overall purpose of this study was to better understand how probation officers used risk-needs assessment to formulate their case plans and how they managed their cases. A detailed examination of audio taped interviews between 62 probation officers and their clients was conducted finding relatively poor adherence to some of the basic principles of effective intervention, the principles of Risk, Need, and Responsivity. Tables and references