NCJ Number
122163
Journal
State Peace Officers Journal Volume: 38 Issue: 3 Dated: (1989) Pages: 69-71
Date Published
1989
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Despite budget uncertainty and large caseloads, Illinois' community supervision program (parole) is trying to change the lives of participating offenders.
Abstract
The goals of the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) program is to prevent offenders from committing more crimes upon release from prison. Although the chances of an offender being rearrested are greatest during the first nine months upon release (making community supervision a crucial time to address criminal behavior), IDOC has generally favored increasing prison capacity over maintaining levels of community supervision. However, in 1989, previously cut parole agent positions in Illinois were reinstated and increased by another 20 percent; the number of offenders released into supervision increased by almost 49 percent. The key to effective supervision is the offender classification system which determines the level of contact between offender and parole agent. Regular home visits and personal contact allow agents to identify offenders who should be removed and discharged from the program, as well as those who would benefit most from community supervision. Parole agents also search out social services for their clients; IDOC uses Federal block grants to contract for housing, job referral services, and special treatment and education programs. The Safer Foundation in Chicago helps find jobs for offenders and provides counseling and referrals for other services. Lack of education and drug abuse are the two biggest obstacles to finding employment for offenders. Alcohol and drug addiction treatment are essential to pursuing a crime-free life; the Gateway Foundation is one of the biggest treatment programs in Illinois. The most immediate problem for most parolees is housing; IDOC sends many offenders to a halfway house, St. Leonard's House, in Chicago. Corrections currently funds community-based programs and needs to continue its contractual arrangements with outside agencies. 1 figure.