NCJ Number
81374
Date Published
Unknown
Length
70 pages
Annotation
Evaluation issues and designs are suggested for various aspects of Minnesota's Arrowhead Regional Community Corrections Program.
Abstract
This report is intended primarily to help two recently hired inhouse evaluators become aware of evaluation issues of importance to the administrators. Possible methods for approaching the topics are suggested, and a bibliography of pertinent materials is supplied. The evaluation topics were determined through a series of meetings with various persons in the Arrowhead Community Corrections Program. Interviews were conducted with the administrators of the programs and institutions involved. Research suggestions for the Northeast Regional Corrections Center include recidivism rates, achievement of clients with reference to intermediate objectives, and cost-effectiveness studies on various program aspects. The suggested research concerns for the Arrowhead Juvenile Center focus on the adequacy of the physical facilities and the experimental programs in education and intensive probation. Suggested research for juvenile programs covers a description of the total system of services and the effort and effectiveness of service delivery. Research suggestions are also offered for increased probation services to misdemeanants and intensive probation. Overall issues suggested for evaluation are integrated probation and parole assignment, probation compared to residential treatment, the cost of community corrections compared to incarceration in a State facility, and the needs of various areas of the region. Evaluation designs are suggested for an assessment of the effectiveness of probation and the required size of the Arrowhead Juvenile Center. Fifteen listings compose the bibliography. The appendixes include a review of evaluation steps, an evaluation unit design for cost comparisons, and recommended data elements for management information systems for the Arrowhead region.