NCJ Number
81928
Date Published
Unknown
Length
0 pages
Annotation
Speakers discuss the use and problems of subsidies as a source of funding for pretrial programs endangered by termination of Federal monies.
Abstract
During the 1960's, 5 States had subsidy programs; now, 23 States have them. Most often employed for probation services, subsidies reallocate the costs of a service from the locality to the State. The intent of defraying expenses is to make services more attractive to implement. Subsidies may be transferred as cash, services, in-kind assistance, or taxes to individuals or organizations, payees, third parties, or any level of government. Subsidies are usually granted according to an equalization formula or a performance standard. They should be performance based and have demonstrable goals, as formulas may be too rigid. Administrative steps in the allocation process should be minimized, and the decisionmaking power over grant applications should remain in the legislature rather than in the hands of an executive review board. Problems encountered in the Washington State subsidy programs for juvenile and adult probation illustrate common program implementation issues. While the goals of the Washington juvenile subsidy program were to reduce commitment rates and provide standards for services, much of the subsidy money was spent on staffing rather than on program development. Formula-based allocations resulted in unevenness of local payments. Furthermore, local judges resisted allocation standards that intruded on their decisionmaking authority regarding commitment; unions also may oppose programs that affect State workers' status. By supplying more money for law enforcement, subsidies may bring even more people into contact with the criminal justice system. Speakers include the director of the Correctional Economics Center and a research analyst for the Washington State House of Representatives. A question-and-answer session follows the presentation.