NCJ Number
40451
Journal
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF CRIMINOLOGY AND CORRECTIONS Volume: 19 Issue: 1 Dated: (JANUARY 1977) Pages: 95-104
Date Published
1977
Length
10 pages
Annotation
A DESCRIPTION OF THE PURPOSE AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE MANITOBA VOLUNTEER PROBATION OFFICER (VPO) PROGRAM, WITH EXPLANATIONS OF THE VPO SELECTION PROCESS, VPO TRAINING, AND VPO SUPERVISION ACTIVITIES.
Abstract
IN MANITOBA, CANADA, THE DELIVERY OF SERVICE TO BOTH ADULTS AND JUVENILES IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PROBATION SERVICE IN THE MINISTRY OF CORRECTIVE AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES. BEGINNING IN 1964 AND DEVELOPING RAPIDLY SINCE 1970, WHEN THE SOLICITOR GENERAL'S DEPARTMENT ENTERED INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE PROVINCE OF MANITOBA TO PROVIDE A FULL-TIME COORDINATOR OF VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS FOR THE PROBATION SERVICE, CITIZENS HAVE BEEN USED TO ASSIST IN PROBATION SERVICE DELIVERY AS VOLUNTEERS. IN 1974 THE VPO PROGRAM WAS EXTENDED TO RURAL AREAS. GOALS OF THE VPO PROGRAM ARE OUTLINED, AND IT IS NOTED THAT THE VPO PROGRAM AFFORDS THE OPPORTUNITY FOR MORE ATTENTION TO THE OFFENDER AND BETTER CONTACT WITH THE COMMUNITY AND ITS RESOURCES. VPO'S ARE COMMUNITY RESIDENTS, AND THEREFORE IN SMALL COMMUNITIES OR RURAL AREAS THEY MAY HAVE TROUBLE MAINTAINING OBJECTIVITY DUE TO KINSHIP OR COMMUNITY ATTITUDINAL FACTORS. COMBINATION OF PROFESSIONAL AND VOLUNTEER SERVICES IS THEREFORE USED. THE SELECTION OF VPO'S IN REMOTE COMMUNITIES IS DESCRIBED. THE TRAINING AND SUPERVISION OF THESE VOLUNTEER OFFICERS ARE ALSO EXAMINED. RESEARCH NEEDS WITH RESPECT TO THE CANADIAN VPO'S ARE OUTLINED IN THE FINAL SECTION....DMC