NCJ Number
77535
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 43 Issue: 3 Dated: (May/June 1981) Pages: 36,38-41
Date Published
1981
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Each component of the Wisconsin probation and parole classification system is outlined, and the results of an evaluation based on a 24-month followup are summarized.
Abstract
The four basic components of the system are risk and needs assessments; case management classification, a process which indicates the most appropriate casework strategy; a management information system; and a workload deployment and budgeting procedure. The risk and needs assessment scales form the core of the system, as they determine the level of supervision for each client. Within 30 days of admission to probation or parole, all cases are assessed according to their need for services and their risk of committing a new offense. Reclassification is then done at subsequent 6-month intervals. A classification tool that can be easily administered by line staff has been developed to aid in assessing client needs, provide an objective evaluation to help officers formulate goals at the start of probation or parole, and provide staff with different types of clients. This process (termed client management classification) consists of a 45-minute semistructured interview and uses a forced-choice rating instrument. The management information system contains data collected on probationers and parolees at admission, at reevaluation, and at termination. Since the classification system is designed to identify differences in offenders that will have an impact on the amount of supervision required, it is possible to ascertain the total workload of each probation and parole office by establishing time requirements for each supervision level, as well as for all other agency functions. Management can then allocate agent positions on a workload rather than a caseload basis. Overall, the 2-year, folloup evaluation indicates that assignment to different levels of supervision based on assessments of needs and risk has had a significant and favorable impact on probation and parole outcomes in Wisconsin.