NCJ Number
80145
Date Published
1980
Length
163 pages
Annotation
Factors predicting parole outcome were examined in a sample of mentally disabled male parolees to determine which characteristics of individual background, criminal history, and parole experience were associated with the revocation of parole in this group.
Abstract
The 155 study group members were drawn from participants in the Massachusetts Community Assistant Parole Program, which was established in 1974 to provide intensive parole supervision to mentally retarded offenders on parole from county and State correctional facilities. Offenders classified as mentally disabled exhibited diverse intellectual, social, and/or vocational deficiencies due to mental retardation. Data were gathered from official records. Individual background characteristics were found to be weak predictors of parole revocation. Criminal history characteristics were unexpectedly found to be only moderate predictors of parole revocation. Prison term characteristics such as the length of sentence were moderately strong predictors, while parole experience characteristics were the best predictors. Mentally disabled parolees who experienced more problems, whose home life was marked by instability and strife, who had difficulty in obtaining stable employment, who did not have a community assistant or a heterosexual relationship, and who received few services were more likely to have their parole revoked. Findings indicated that parole boards making decisions on mentally disabled offenders should place emphasis on the stability and appropriateness of the prospective residence, the services available to the parolee, and the availability of such support services as educational and vocational programs. In addition, specialized parole programs should be provided for mentally disabled parolees. A literature review, tables, appendixes presenting data collection forms and related materials, and a list of 95 references are provided.