NCJ Number
119130
Date Published
1988
Length
6 pages
Annotation
The home detention and supervision program operating in Queensland, Australia began in 1987 and is designed to provide a cost-effective alternative to a portion of the prison term, provide prison staff with a challenging alternative to working in institutions, and provide community agencies and individuals with the opportunity to contribute to the development of corrections.
Abstract
The program also provides a semi-controlled environment in which prisoners and their families can work toward a normal life with help and encouragement rather than being left to flounder after leaving prison. Offenders approaching the last 4 months of a sentence of 12 months or more or approaching the last half of the sentence of 12 months or more are eligible. They must also meet other eligibility criteria. The program uses a simple and flexible design. Electronic monitoring devices are not used. A 6-month evaluation has found offenders' behavior to compare favorably with that of offenders in other programs. The correctional community, other agencies, and the media have been generally positive about the program. Staff are showing high commitment and teamwork, and offenders report that their supervisors are fair and supportive and maintain constructive relationships with offenders and their families. The three essential elements for such programs are the ability to accept the concept of prisoners as people living at home, a commitment in action as well as words, and a commitment to positive risk taking with the ability to withstand some criticism and failures.