Successful Completion of Probation and Parole Among Female Offenders

• NCJ Number: 219507
• Journal: Women & Criminal Justice Volume: 17 Issue: 1 Dated: 2005 Pages: 75-97
• Author(s): Stephanie Carmichael; Angela R. Gover; Barbara Koons-Witt; BobbiDawn Inabnit
• Date Published: 2005
• Length: 23 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined factors that significantly contributed to the successful completion of parole and probation among female offenders under community supervision.

Abstract

The study examined the relationship between several independent measures that represent key demographic factors (e.g., race, age, education, marital status, and children), problem behaviors, programmatic treatment, and the successful completion of community supervision by female probationers and parolees. The study found that both race and age were significant predictors of probation and parole outcome. White and older females were significantly more likely to successfully complete their community supervision. Older females compared to younger females may have been more successful because of differences in their criminality, a natural aging out of their criminality, or they may be more capable of handling the multitude of demands and constraints that are inherent in community supervision. Using alcohol and drugs during the supervision period was found to be significant predictors of the supervision outcome. A review of the extant literature suggest that minimal research has been devoted to understanding factors that contribute to the successful completion of probation and parole among female offenders in a southeastern State. The purpose of this study was to fill a gap in the literature by answering the question: What factors contribute to the successful completion of probation or parole for female offenders? The examination of these factors can lead to the development of gender-specific programming for women. Female offenders completing sentences of probation or parole whose cases were closed between January 1997 and April 1997 made up the study sample of 503. Data were derived from the Women Offender Profile Survey, a questionnaire consisting of 28 questions regarding demographics and characteristics of the offender prior to closure. Tables, references