NCJ Number
179290
Date Published
September 1998
Length
26 pages
Annotation
This document discusses options for improved accountability for adult and juvenile offenders on probation in California.
Abstract
Many California counties have reduced probation services in response to budgetary shortfalls. At the same time, a growing backlog of sentenced felons is placing pressure on local courts, overcrowded county jails and juvenile halls, steadily increasing probation referrals. Because county probation officials are required to devote more personnel resources to manage high-risk probationers, less serious offenders receive relatively fewer resources, often resulting in little or no supervision. Accountability programs for probation include: (1) Neighborhood Accountability Boards, a type of restorative justice program composed of volunteers; (2) Day Reporting Centers, highly structured, non-residential programs using supervision, sanctions and services coordinated from a central location; (3) early release and work release; (4) electronic monitoring; (5) house arrest; (6) intensive supervision; (7) jail diversion; and (8) specialized counseling. Notes, figures, appendixes