NCJ Number
75453
Date Published
1977
Length
27 pages
Annotation
Guidelines for developing and implementing local adult misdemeanant probation programs in Florida are offered.
Abstract
A 1975 Florida statute prohibited the State's parole and probation services for adult misdemeanants so that, except in certain instances, a rehabilitation alternative to incarceration was lost to local judges. In the meantime, the Salvation Army and county probation departments have moved to fill this service gap and have established 35 programs. The guidelines are intended to provide information to other counties considering the initiation of similar programs. Among the services provided thus far are presentence investigations, counseling, fee and restitution collection, and the coordination of community services. Job and social service referrals are also provided, and Community Resource Management Teams have been organized. Among the program advantages are the provision of much needed services, the monitoring of released offenders, the saving of incarceration costs, and the payment of restitution or the provision of community services by offenders. Issues and problems considered include personnel recruitment and training, the collection of fees from probationers, the promise of self-supporting programs, and caseload management. Other topics considered include ascertaining the need for a program, setting one up, and locating resources. Tables provide information on sample budgets and staffing levels. Footnotes with references and a list of Florida county probation offices are provided.