NCJ Number
16682
Date Published
1975
Length
42 pages
Annotation
THIS PROGRAM IS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE SUPPORTIVE NON-LEGAL ASSISTANCE TO PUBLIC DEFENDER ATTORNEYS AND THEIR CLIENTS.
Abstract
PARAPROFESSIONAL PROGRAM COUNSELORS WORK WITH INDIGENT CLIENTS DURING THE PREPARATION OF THE PRESENTENCE REPORT TO SEEK COMMUNITY-BASED ALTERNATIVES TO INSTITUTIONALIZATION. A SENTENCING PLAN IS NOT RECOMMENDED UNLESS IT MEETS THE APPROVAL OF THE CLIENT. THIS PROGRAM WORKS MAINLY WITH MALE ADULT FELONY DEFENDANTS AND JUVENILES WHO HAVE PRIOR FELONY CONVICTIONS AND ARE MOST LIKELY TO FACE INSTITUTIONALIZATION AS A RESULT OF CONVICTION. PROGRAM EVALUATION WAS HAMPERED BY A LACK OF FOLLOW-UP, LACK OF SYSTEMATIC PROCEDURES FOR IDENTIFYING NEW RESOURCES, LACK OF STAFF TRAINING AND SUPERVISION, AND COUNSELOR WRITING SKILLS DEFICIENCIES. EVALUATORS CONCLUDED THAT THE PRESENTENCE COUNSELING PROGRAM IS PROVIDING AN IMPORTANT LEVEL OF SUPPORT TO THE PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE IN SEATTLE. HOWEVER, THEY STATED THAT THE PROGRAM LACKED SUFFICIENT DATA TO BE ABLE TO MAKE ANY CONCLUSION ABOUT PROGRAM EFFECTIVENESS. COPIES OF THE EXEMPLARY PROJECT APPLICATION FORM AND THREE LETTERS OF ENDORSEMENT ARE INCLUDED.