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Date: April 30, 2024 Tue
Time: 2:54 am
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Results for community based corrections
44 results foundAuthor: New Zealand. Department of Corrections. Policy Strategy and Research Group Title: Te Ihi Tu Community Residential Centre: Evaluation Report Summary: The Te Ihi Tu community residential program receives referrals of higher-risk Maori offenders from both prisons and the Community Probation Service. The 13 weeks-long program is based on Tikanga Maori principles, and is designed to change attitudes, teach positive skills, and generally motivate offenders towards leading a non-offending lifestyle. This report presents an analysis of the effectiveness of the program. Details: Wellington, NZ: New Zealand Department of Corrections Source: Year: 0 Country: New Zealand URL: Shelf Number: 117344 Keywords: Community Based Corrections |
Author: McManus, Rob Title: Nowhere to run, nowhere to hide: a profile of domestic violence in South Carolina Summary: This report provides a statewide statistical overview of domestic violence based on analysis of South Carolina Incident Based Reporting System data from 1991 - 2004. It also incorporates FY 2004 - 05 client data from the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services linked to criminal record history data to crime profile of domestic violence offenders under community correction supervision. Details: Blythewood, SC: South Carolina Department of Public Safety, Office of Justice Programs, Statistical Analysis Center, 2006, 130p. Source: Internet Source Year: 2006 Country: United States URL: Shelf Number: 117597 Keywords: Community Based CorrectionsCriminal BackgroundDomestic Abuse |
Author: McManus, Rob Title: Recidivism among sex offenders in South Carolina Summary: This report replicates the BJS report which analyzed recidivism among sex offenders released from prisons in several states in 1994 examining recidivism for a cohort of sex offenders released from South Carolina prisons in 2001. It expands upon this analysis by also examining recidivism among a cohort of offenders admitted to community correctional supervision in 2001. Undertaken as part of a multi-site initiative, the results will be included in a forthcoming publication of the Research and Statistics Association. Details: Columbia, SC: South Carolina Department of Corrections, South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services, South Carolina Budget & Control Board, South Carolina Department of Public Safety, 2007, 81p. Source: Internet Source Year: 2007 Country: United States URL: Shelf Number: 117598 Keywords: Community Based CorrectionsRecidivismSex Offenders |
Author: Solanki, Aikta-Reena Title: Fine Art or Science? Sentencers Deciding Between Community Penalties and Custody for Young People Summary: This report presents the findings of a study of sentencing decisions made by U.K. courts to identify why some young people are sentenced to custody and others to community sentences. The research examines cases involving young offenders aged 10 to 17, and explores the issues that may have an impact on sentencing at an individual level. It gives an account of the sentencing decisions made by a sample of 62 sentencers, including magistrates, district judges and Crown Court judges across 16 youth offending team areas in England and Wales. It documents their approaches to sentencing and decision-making process, as well as offering an insight into their attitudes towards custodial and non-custodial penalties. The research highlights a wide range of differenc factors that were reported by sentences to encourage or discourage the use of custody in borderline cases that were deemed to lie on the brink between a custodial and community sentence. Details: London: Youth Justice Board, 2009. 85p. Source: Internet Resource Year: 2009 Country: United Kingdom URL: Shelf Number: 118822 Keywords: Community Based CorrectionsJuvenile DetentionJuvenile OffendersJuvenile Offenders, Sentencing (U.K.)Sentencing (U.K.) |
Author: Latessa, Edward J. Title: Community Corrections Centers, Parolees, and Recidivbism: An Investigation into the Characteristics of Effective Reentry Programs in Pennsylvania Summary: This report reviews the methodology, analysis, findings and recommendations related to the evaluation of the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections Community Corrections Centers and Facilities. Specifically, the research study was designed to examine the link between program integrity and effectiveness. Other than identifying the program characteristics associated with measures of effectiveness, the intention of this study was to: 1) provide information about the effective of the Community Corrections Centers (CCC) and Community Contract Facilities (CCR) in Pennsylvania; 2) identify strengths and weaknesses in CCCs and CCFs; 3) provide a blueprint for developing more effective programs in Pennsylvania; 4) develop a protocol for matching parolees to programming based on risk and need; and 5) assist the state in identifying programming characteristics to be considered when making program funding decisions. Details: Cincinnati, OH: University of Cincinnati, Division of Criminal Justice, 2009. 206p. Source: Internet Resource Year: 2009 Country: United States URL: Shelf Number: 119161 Keywords: Community Based CorrectionsParoleesPrisoner ReentryRedidivism |
Author: Brown, Tracy M.L. Title: Global Positioning System (GPS) Technology for Community Supervision: Lessons Learned Summary: This report identifies the current practices of agencies that have been using global positioning system (GPS) to supervise offenders on community supervision — probation, parole, or supervised release. The study reports on interviews with seven community supervision agencies about their experiences using GPS to manage their populations. Details: Falls Church, VA: Noblis, 2007. 142p. Source: Internet Resource; Accessed August 16, 2010 at: http://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/grants/219376.pdf Year: 2007 Country: United States URL: http://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/grants/219376.pdf Shelf Number: 113264 Keywords: Community Based CorrectionsComputer MappingConditional ReleaseElectronic Monitoring, OffendersGlobal Positioning SystemParoleesProbationers |
Author: Warren, Julie Title: Te Hurihanga Pilot: Evaluation Report Summary: Te Hurihanga (The Turning Point) is a Ministry of Justice response to the problem of youth offending in New Zealand. It is a three-year pilot that reflects concerns about trends in youth offending and lack of suitable options open to the judiciary when dealing with some young offenders. The focus of this programme is to encourage young people to turn their lives around. It is a nine to eighteen month therapeutic programme for young males (aged 14 to 16 years at entry) who have appeared before the courts and who live within the Hamilton/Waikato region. The three-phased programme aims to: reduce re-offending; hold young people accountable for their offending; and provide tailored, specialist support to young people and their whaanau/families so they can make positive choices rather then continue on current (offending) pathways. This evaluation report provides the Ministry of Justice with findings from a two-year evaluation that began late June 2007 and was completed in July 2009. Details: Wellington, NZ: New Zealand Ministry of Justice, 2009. 181p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed August 22, 2010 at: http://www.justice.govt.nz/publications/global-publications/t/te-hurihanga-pilot-evaluation-report/publications/global-publications/t/te-hurihanga-pilot-evaluation-report/documents/Te%20Hurihanga%20Pilot%20Evaluation%20Report.pdf Year: 2009 Country: New Zealand URL: http://www.justice.govt.nz/publications/global-publications/t/te-hurihanga-pilot-evaluation-report/publications/global-publications/t/te-hurihanga-pilot-evaluation-report/documents/Te%20Hurihanga%20Pilot%20Evaluation%20Report Shelf Number: 118544 Keywords: Community Based CorrectionsJuvenile Offenders (New Zealand)Rehabilitation, Juvenile OffendersTreatment Programs, Juvenile Offenders |
Author: Rice, Linda Title: Conditional Cautions: Lessons Learnt from the Unpaid Reparative Work Pilot Implementation Summary: A pilot testing the implementation of the unpaid reparative work conditional caution (RWC), a type of out-of-court disposal, took place between December 2006 and September 2007. The purpose of the RWC was to enable offenders to make good any damage they had caused by carrying out up to 20 hours of specified work. The report describes the research that was carried out to explore the reasons for the low take-up of the RWC and to identify the lessons learnt from the pilot implementation process. Details: London: Ministry of Justice, 2010. 6p. Source: Internet Resource: Research Summary 5/10: Accessed September 2, 2010 at: http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/docs/conditional-cautions-unpaid-reparative-work-pilot.pdf Year: 2010 Country: United Kingdom URL: http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/docs/conditional-cautions-unpaid-reparative-work-pilot.pdf Shelf Number: 119732 Keywords: Alternatives to IncarcerationCommunity Based CorrectionsCommunity ServiceSentencing |
Author: Kaye, Robert Title: Fitting the Crime: Reforming Community Sentences: Mending the Weak Link in the Sentencing Chain Summary: Community sentences are the focus of renewed attention from UK politicians faced with unsustainable demand for prison places and the perceived cost and ineffectiveness of short-term prison sentences. Successions of Ministers in recent years have attempted to reform community disposals to make them more effective and to address legitimate public concern that they do not prevent reoffending and are not appropriate punishments. Before the mid 1990s, community sentences in England and Wales were focused on rehabilitation and designed for first time, less serious offenders. They are now a much more common form of disposal and are routinely used in response to serial recidivists. This mission creep has not been accompanied by systemic reform of community sentences to create a clearly defined and credible punishment. Instead, these sentences continue to suffer from a historic handicap that keeps them linked with rehabilitation instead of punishment, undermining them in the eyes of sentencers and the public. Current community sentences fail because they are fundamentally flawed, poorly administered and confused in their purpose. There is no contradiction between being “tough” and being “effective”. To be made better, community sentences first need to be refocused back to their core function of punishment and then radically reformed to improve compliance and reduce reoffending. Details: London: Policy Exchange, 2010. 111p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed November 27, 2010 at: http://www.policyexchange.org.uk/images/publications/pdfs/Fitting_the_Crime_-_Nov__10.pdf Year: 2010 Country: United Kingdom URL: http://www.policyexchange.org.uk/images/publications/pdfs/Fitting_the_Crime_-_Nov__10.pdf Shelf Number: 120290 Keywords: Alternatives to IncarcerationCommunity Based CorrectionsPunishmentSentencing |
Author: Armstrong, Sarah Title: What Do the Punished Think of Punishment? The Comparative Experience of Short Prison Sentences and Community-Based Punishments Summary: Scotland is currently engaged in one of the biggest penal reform projects in a generation, seeking to fundamentally change its approach to punishment, which is characterised by high use of imprisonment compared to other parts of Europe, and the use of very short prison sentences. In Scotland around three quarters of prison sentences handed down by the courts are for six months or less. But because short sentences are seen as minimally intrusive compared to long-term or life sentences, there has been, until now, little research on their effects. This study sought to fill this gap in knowledge by speaking with those serving short prison sentences or a community-based sentence (the main proposed alternative on the reform agenda). The researchers spoke with 35 men and women ranging in age from 19 to 55 about their experiences of punishment. The aim was to accurately describe the experience for offenders of doing a short sentence, in prison or the community. In summary, the key findings of the report are the following: •Short prison sentences in Scotland are a form of ‘doing life by instalments’. Most of the people interviewed counted the times they had been in prison not in terms of numbers but as frequencies, that is, by how many times per year they are in prison. •It is the cumulative effect of doing many short sentences, more than the experience of any single sentence, which carries the largely negative impacts of short-term imprisonment. For many people short prison sentences have become a regular life activity, and the constant coming and going between community and prison interrupts the ability to deal with drug and alcohol issues, strengthen family relationships, and become employable. •The extensive use of short sentences is a function mainly of drug and alcohol dependency. For nearly everyone interviewed, the offending which led to their imprisonment was motivated by drug and alcohol use. Common offences were shoplifting (to pay for drugs) and minor assaults (while under the influence of drugs or alcohol). This finding suggests that prison and the criminalisation of addiction have become primary strategies of dealing with drug and alcohol problems, particularly for those in the most marginalised socio-economic groups. •Prison has produced positive life changes for some but in a way that is almost impossible to predict. Some people reported that it was during their short prison sentence they had achieved the resolution to abstain from drugs. In one case this resolution came after only serving two brief sentences in prison, while for another it took nearly twenty years of serving short sentences to make this step towards recovery. The finding suggests prison is an expensive and unpredictable technique of getting people to change. •Contrary to prior research, nearly everyone would prefer a community-based sentence to a prison sentence. Past research showed many people would choose a short period in prison over a longer period on probation. Armstrong and Weaver found the opposite: most people would prefer serving their time in the community, largely to preserve links to family and work. However, the preference was affected by the state of an addiction problem, suggesting reforms to community-based sentences need to develop effective means of addressing drug and alcohol dependency. Details: Edinburgh: Scottish Centre for Crime and Justice Research, 2010. 23p. Source: Internet Resource: SCCJR Research Report, No.4: Accessed December 16, 2010 at: http://www.sccjr.ac.uk/documents/Report%202010%2004%20-%20User%20Views%20of%20Punishment.pdf Year: 2010 Country: United Kingdom URL: http://www.sccjr.ac.uk/documents/Report%202010%2004%20-%20User%20Views%20of%20Punishment.pdf Shelf Number: 120525 Keywords: Alternative to IncarcerationCommunity Based CorrectionsImprisonmentPunishment (U.K.)Sentencing |
Author: Armstrong, Gaylene Title: The Importance of a Low Span of Control in Effective Implementation of Evidence Based Probation and Parole Practices Summary: Public safety, through positive offender behavior change, and offender accountability are key priorities of the Community Based Correctional System in Iowa. In response to budgetary constraints, recent legislative discussions have ensued regarding the reduction of funding allocated for the supervisory staff in the System. The suggested reduction would significantly decrease the span of control ratio of probation supervisors to probation officers within the System. While recognizing ongoing fiscal demands, the current 7 probation officers to 1 supervisor ratio (7:1 span of control) should not be increased to a higher ratio, as it would be in contrast to suggested principles of organization and management, as well as challenge the continued implementation and sustainability of effective, evidence based practices within the System. "Span of control" has commonly been utilized to describe the number of individuals, or resources, that a person can effectively supervise within a structured organizational, business or military setting. The foundation of this principle is to increase administrative efficiency (Souryal, 1977), while retaining effectiveness within the organization. In examining the span of control in probation jurisdictions across the country, two different studies have found significant variation in this ratio. Cushman and Sechrest (1992) argued as part of their study, which included span of control ratios that a prevailing assumption existed such that probation agencies, clients on probation, and programs used to supervise probationers were similar across jurisdiction. Their results indicated, however that nothing could be further from the truth. Cushman and Sechrest noted "there are truly important differences on all three of these dimensions" between probation organizations; consequently, policy from one jurisdiction may not necessarily be a good model for adaptation to other jurisdictions. Moreover, significant variation found to exist in supervision ratios across jurisdictions, as well as supervision models, was unexplained. To date, evidence documenting the roles and responsibility of the supervising officers, as well as the supervisory structure, that may explain some of the variation in span of control ratios is absent in contextualizing these numbers. Concurrent with the consideration of appropriate span of control ratios, knowledge of recent changes to Iowa's approach to offender management inclusive of evidence based practices must also be understood. The general principle of evidence based practices (EBP) relies on scientific knowledge and/or empirical studies that demonstrate effectiveness of programs, methods or techniques within the contextual setting to accomplish a pre‐defined goal of recidivism reduction. As a result of the System’s implementation of evidence based practices in probation and parole, the implementation of EBP has been credited with a significant reduction in the Iowa prison population. This is a trend that could be reversed if the span of control was increased. Supervisors play a pivotal role in any organization's attempt to improve efficiency and effectiveness through the application of evidence‐based knowledge to the process of work. In order to be successful in this role, supervisors must master a set of skills that even ten years ago were not considered to be part of their competences. These skills include, among others, transformational leadership, strategic thinking, change management, communication, collaboration, coaching and mentoring, motivating staff, and relationship building. Each of these skills takes time to master and apply. Supervision is no longer just telling people what to do and then monitoring whether they do it; it has become the art and science of human and behavioral encouragement, support, and feedback. Moreover, the role of the probation officers themselves has significantly evolved with the implementation of evidence based practices. Probation and parole officers must be engaged with clients in a manner that requires a higher level of direct interaction to implement supervision techniques such as engaging in relationship building, motivational interviewing, and adhering to risk, needs and responsivity principles of treatment. This shift in officer roles aligns with added oversight by the supervisory staff to ensure fidelity of evidence based practices such as those mentioned above. Engaging in evidence‐based practices in probation and parole also requires supervisors who have the time to exercise these skills. If agencies expect to achieve significant modifications of criminal behavior and to reduce recidivism, they must allow supervisors the ability to devote the majority of their work day to collaborating with their staff in the actual conduct of their daily business. Supervisors must be able to tutor their staff in the skills of case planning, building meaningful relationships with the offender, engaging offenders in accomplishing treatment plans, using rewards and sanctions, and reducing risk by addressing criminogenic needs. In addition to ineffective implementation of evidence based practices, when supervision staff is lacking, it is also possible for programs and practices that are initially well‐implemented to erode in quality over time. As one director we spoke with stated, “…EBP takes active supervision and some accountability or it slips.” McManus (2007) also discussed a number of other global issues that may result including skill erosion, customer confidence erosion, and morale erosion or bad morale if employees are not supported with effective and adequate levels of supervision. Moreover, probation organizations are in a unique position such that both individual officers and their organizations may be subject to civil liability suits if it can be demonstrated that the organization failed to adequately train, direct, supervise, entrust, discipline and assign employees. Details: Houston, TX: Correctional Management Institute of Texas, Sam Houston State University, 2010. 34p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed February 19, 2011 at: http://nicic.gov/Downloads/PDF/Library/024881.pdf Year: 2010 Country: United States URL: http://nicic.gov/Downloads/PDF/Library/024881.pdf Shelf Number: 120831 Keywords: Community Based CorrectionsParole OfficersParoleesProbation OfficersProbationers |
Author: Mair, George Title: Doing Justice Locally: The North Liverpool Community Justice Centre Summary: This research project examines the changes brought about at the North Liverpool Community Justice Centre - the first and the most ambitious site of community justice in the UK. Opened in 2005 and inspired by the Red Hook Community Justice Centre in Brooklyn, the North Liverpool Centre is implementing key aspects of community justice in the UK. This includes a problem-solving approach, greater partnership working, local community engagement, and having a single judge with the capacity to review the progress of those sentenced to a community-based order. This report draws on data collected by the Centre as well as interviews with Centre staff, representatives of the agencies working at the Centre, defendants, and members of the local community to examine the innovations which have taken place. Details: London: Centre for Crime and Justice Studies, 2011. 105p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed March 8, 2011 at: http://www.crimeandjustice.org.uk/opus1828/Doing_justice_locally.pdf Year: 2011 Country: United Kingdom URL: http://www.crimeandjustice.org.uk/opus1828/Doing_justice_locally.pdf Shelf Number: 120910 Keywords: Alternative to IncarcerationCommunity Based CorrectionsCommunity Justice Centers (U.K.)Interagency CooperationIntermediate SanctionsSentencing |
Author: Greene, Judith Title: Turning the Corner: Opportunities for Effective Sentencing and Correctional Practices in Arizona Summary: With a state corrections budget of $1 billion dollars threatening cuts to education and other important human services, Turning the Corner points Arizonians to important reforms in other states that have reduced prison populations while maintaining public safety. The trend in state prison population reductions that began in 2005 included 24 states by 2009. However, Arizona's prison incarceration rate went from 1 in every 749 persons in 1980 to 1 in every 170 by the end of June 2008. Its average annual prison-population growth rate between 2000 and 2008 was 5.1 percent, compared to a national average of 1.5 percent, giving Arizona the third highest incarceration rate of all states and the highest in the West. Turning the Corner highlights the practices of four states – Kansas, Michigan, New Jersey, and New York – that have recently reduced prison populations by 5, 12, 19 and 19 percent, respectively, while seeing falling property and violent crime rates. The report also spotlights three other traditionally conservative states – North Carolina, South Carolina, and Mississippi – that have revisited their sentencing practices, as well as the work of Maryland's Proactive Community Supervision (PCS) program that introduced evidence-based community supervision practices that produced a 42 percent lower rate of re-arrest for new crimes for program participants compared to traditional probation and parole methods. The work of these other states in improving sentencing and corrections practices can help Arizona introduce cost-effective alternatives that can help preserve the public purse and its safety. Details: Brooklyn, NY: Justice Strategies, 2011. 49p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed April 7, 2011 at: http://www.justicestrategies.org/sites/default/files/publications/AZ%20Turning%20the%20Corner%20Final%20Report.pdf Year: 2011 Country: United States URL: http://www.justicestrategies.org/sites/default/files/publications/AZ%20Turning%20the%20Corner%20Final%20Report.pdf Shelf Number: 121259 Keywords: Alternatives to IncarcerationCommunity Based CorrectionsCorrections (Arizona)Sentencing |
Author: Weaver, Beth Title: User Views of Punishment: The Dynamics of Community-‐ based Punishment: Insider Views from the Outside Summary: This report explores the experience of community sentences from the perspective of those subject to them and is part of a larger project on ‘User Views of Punishment’ in which we attempt to document what the punished think of punishment: how it works, what it means and how it fits into the larger context of a person’s life. Where a previous SCCJR research report (No.04/2010) explored research findings with a particular focus on the experience and effects of short prison sentences from the perspective of those serving them, this research report provides highlights of findings from the analysis with a specific focus on the experience and effects of both prison and community sanctions from the perspective of those currently subject to community sanctions, whose penal experience includes short prison sentences. Details: Edinburgh: Scottish Centre for Crime & Justice Research, 2011. 35p. Source: Internet Resoruce: Research Report No. 03/2011: Accessed April 18, 2011 at: http://www.sccjr.ac.uk/documents/Report%202011%2003%20User%20Views%20of%20Punishment-1.pdf Year: 2011 Country: United Kingdom URL: http://www.sccjr.ac.uk/documents/Report%202011%2003%20User%20Views%20of%20Punishment-1.pdf Shelf Number: 121373 Keywords: Alternatives to ImprisonmentCommunity Based CorrectionsPunishmentSentencing (Scotland) |
Author: Hansbury, Sarah, ed. Title: Evaluation of the Intensive Alternatives to Custody Pilots Summary: The Intensive Alternatives to Custody (IAC) pilot programme ran from 2008/09 to 2010/11 to test the use of intensive community orders in diverting offenders from short-term custodial sentences. The IAC pilots enabled courts to use existing community sentencing options in new ways by combining intensive probation supervision with a mix of demanding requirements and interventions delivered by partner agencies. Seven areas were chosen to pilot the orders: Derbyshire, West Yorkshire, South Wales, Dyfed-Powys, Manchester and Salford, Merseyside, and Humberside. Each area had a degree of flexibility in terms of the approach they took, and there was an emphasis on providing an appropriate intervention package that was both demanding and purposeful, with offenders carrying out unpaid work at an accelerated rate. The pilot areas were very positive about the IAC programme, and they have each investigated ways to either mainstream provision or to expand delivery. At the time of publication, IAC provision had been rolled out and mainstreamed across Wales, while Greater Manchester Probation Trust hoped to include IAC as part of the Transforming Justice pilot which is based on justice reinvestment. This report presents the main findings from a range of research that was undertaken to examine the use of IAC orders as a viable alternative to custody, and to explore the lessons that can be learnt from the pilots. Feedback was gathered from a range of stakeholders, such as offenders, sentencers, court legal staff, project leads, project board members, mentors, offender managers, partner representatives and Pre-Sentence Report (PSR) writers. There were also observations in court and observations of offender manager contact sessions. Quantitative analysis of a range of administrative data sources was also undertaken to get a detailed profile of the individuals and the IAC orders. These sources included the Police National Computer (PNC), Offender Assessment Systems (OASys) data, Pre-Sentence Reports (PSR), and case files. Details: London: Ministry of Justice, 2011. 9p. Source: Internet Resource: Research Summary 3/11: Accessed July 13, 2011 at: http://www.justice.gov.uk/downloads/publications/research-and-analysis/moj-research/intensive-alt-custody-research-summary.pdf Year: 2011 Country: United Kingdom URL: http://www.justice.gov.uk/downloads/publications/research-and-analysis/moj-research/intensive-alt-custody-research-summary.pdf Shelf Number: 122047 Keywords: Alternatives to Incarceration (U.K.)Community Based Corrections |
Author: Armstrong, Sarah Title: Evaluation of the Use of Home Detention Curfew and the Open Prison Estate in Scotland Summary: Home Detention Curfew (HDC) came into use in Scotland in 2006 and allows prisoners, mainly on shorter sentences, to serve up to a quarter of their sentence (for a maximum of six months and a minimum of two weeks) on licence in the community, while wearing an electronic tag. Open prisons have been in existence much longer, and are facilities without the secure perimeter fences of traditional, ‘closed’ prisons, and allow prisoners to gradually take on the responsibility of freedom through home leaves and other activities. The research evaluates the effectiveness of HDC and the prison system’s Open Estate in terms of their ability to ‘improve the management of offenders’ and facilitate their ‘reintegration into the community’, specifically by: (1) Investigating the implementation process and associated costs and benefits of the HDC scheme and open prison, and, (2) Developing an in-depth understanding of factors which may impact on effectiveness of the schemes. The research focused on the period when people were on an HDC licence or in open prison, and does not include analysis of the period after a person returns to full liberty. Details: Edinburgh: Scottish Government Social Research, 2011. 128p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed July 14, 2011 at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/353769/0119214.pdf Year: 2011 Country: United Kingdom URL: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/353769/0119214.pdf Shelf Number: 122058 Keywords: Alternatives to IncarcerationCommunity Based CorrectionsElectronic MonitoringHome Detention (U.K.) |
Author: Wood, Jason Title: The Operation and Experience of Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) Summary: This research was undertaken as part of the Home Office’s review of the way in which offenders convicted of sexual offences against children are managed. The research had two primary aims. 1. To identify and assess specific operational practices in relation to sexual offenders subject to Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) Level 2 and 3 in terms of risk assessment, supervision, surveillance, interventions, enforcement, compliance, breach, recall and so on. 2. To identify and assess the experience of subjection to MAPPA Level 2 and 3 and the impact of this on offending-related behaviour of Registered Sexual Offenders (RSOs) convicted of offences against children. To be explored from the viewpoint of both offenders and those working within those agencies represented at MAPPA Level 2 and 3. The study was qualitative in nature and included interviews with a range of practitioners involved in the MAPPA process, and offenders, and a number of focus groups with members of Level 2 and 3 panels and Strategic Management Boards. The study was small-scale, conducted within three MAPPA Areas and therefore does not represent a comprehensive examination of MAPPA effectiveness. Rather, it is an exploration of current practices within MAPPA across the three Areas and how these are understood and experienced by those involved. Details: London: Home Office, 2007. 31p. Source: Internet Resource: Home Office Online Report 12/07: Accessed August 8, 2011 at: http://www.caerdydd.ac.uk/socsi/resources/MAPPA1207.pdf Year: 2007 Country: United Kingdom URL: http://www.caerdydd.ac.uk/socsi/resources/MAPPA1207.pdf Shelf Number: 122319 Keywords: CollaborationCommunity Based CorrectionsSex Offenders (U.K.) |
Author: Great Britain: HMI Probation Title: Thematic Inspection Report: Putting the Pieces Together An Inspection of Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements Summary: This inspection of the of the Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) was agreed by the Criminal Justice Chief Inspectors Group and formed part of the Joint Inspection Business Plan 2011-2013. It was led by HM Inspectorate of Probation, supported by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary. Its purpose was to assess the effectiveness of MAPPA in reducing the potential risk of harm to others presented by identified offenders in the community through joint working and the exchange of relevant information. We visited six areas and looked at a sample of cases managed through MAPPA. We examined the referral process and the plans to manage these offenders in the community drawn up at the MAPPA meetings. We then assessed the extent to which the agencies involved with the offenders took action and coordinated activity in response to the decisions made at the meetings. We also carried out a separate audit of the Violent and Sexual Offender Register (ViSOR), the database that contains information about most MAPPA eligible offenders. Overall findings -- The introduction of MAPPA placed, on a statutory basis, what previously had been a series of ad hoc arrangements for criminal justice agencies and other organisations to manage offenders deemed to present a risk of harm to others. It meant that staff in all agencies had, over time, to learn to share information and work collaboratively in order to assess and manage offenders who posed a risk of harm to the public. The subsequent development of MAPPA improved the assessment and management of these offenders. Despite the significant challenges in dealing with such individuals, the level of cooperation amongst criminal justice and other agencies, as shown by this inspection, was impressive. We found a culture of trust and openness in the agencies involved that encouraged the thoughtful exchange of information between staff working with the offenders. We also saw much good practice in the way in which staff tried to balance the needs of communities and victims with those of the offender. Given the nature of the offenders within MAPPA, it could be argued that all the cases should have been managed to the highest possible standard. Although, our findings were broadly positive, the inspection revealed a number of key areas for improvement which, in our opinion are crucial if MAPPA are to ensure that all reasonable action is taken to manage the risk of harm presented by an offender to others in the community. Lead Agency -- The national guidance, that sets out the way in which MAPPA are to operate, requires that a lead agency should be identified for each MAPPA eligible offender. We found that, despite this clear guidance, the concept of one agency taking the lead for an offender within MAPPA, whilst acknowledged by staff, was underdeveloped and did not impact on the way in which cases were managed. In practice, each agency involved with a case tended to act in isolation from one another other and used the MAPPA meetings mainly to update partners and exchange information. A clearer focus on a specified lead agency would promote a more coordinated approach to the management of each offender. Risk Management Planning -- We found that MAPPA rarely produced a comprehensive risk management plan. In accordance with the national guidance, MAPPA should agree a risk management plan for each offender subject to multi-agency management. We found that this very rarely happened in a comprehensive way. In some cases, a list of short-term actions was identified; in others, actions were too vague or simply not identified at all. We did not see any examples of a jointly agreed MAPPA risk management plan, specifying how all the relevant agencies would work together to manage the individual’s risk of harm to others, including contingency arrangements. Furthermore, actions for agencies identified by MAPPA were not always well integrated into the records of the relevant agency. Most of the cases we saw were managed through a range of restrictive interventions, including curfews, approved premises, exclusion zones and surveillance. There was little question that these interventions were necessary, but they needed to be balanced by a focus on protective factors such as involvement in positive activities and constructive interventions designed to reduce the level of risk presented by the offender in the longer term. Offender managers and MAPPA as a whole paid little attention to what would happen to the offender at the end of supervision. Active Management -- Emphasis was too often placed on information exchange within MAPPA, rather than on the active management of an offender. MAPPA meetings to review and plan work with offenders were well attended and held at the right frequency. The chairs of the meetings worked hard to ensure that all the participants were able to make a contribution. However, in many meetings, the emphasis was more on the exchange of information between agencies rather than on the development of strategies actively to manage the risk of harm presented by the offender. As a result, the chair did not always hold agencies sufficiently to account for their actions. In order to do this, chairs of meetings not only needed to be knowledgable about process and procedures, they also needed to be assertive and have well developed skills in chairing and managing meetings. Documentation Minutes of MAPPA meetings were often not fit for purpose. Minutes recording the details of MAPPA meetings were generally poorly written and presented. In many instances, there were delays in distribution and we found numerous examples of minutes that contained out of date information, or information that was wrong. Some were lengthy and difficult to read because discussions had been transcribed verbatim. In one area, the minutes contained pages of action points, whilst in others, there were almost none. As a result, the minutes were rarely used as a working tool and staff tended to develop their own recording systems. The poor quality of the minutes meant that the agencies within MAPPA would not always be able demonstrate that they had made defensible decisions in the event of a challenge. ViSOR -- We also undertook a detailed audit of the ViSOR records held on the offenders in the inspection sample. Our findings were disappointing. We found that ViSOR was not used as a shared working tool by police and probation staff, mainly because, whilst ViSOR was reasonably accessable to police staff, access by probation staff was severly constrained. In addition, the quality of the information held on the system was not always of a high standard. Conclusion -- In order to work well, all the participants in MAPPA need to work together to develop a shared view about the nature of the risk presented by an individual offender to the public, draw up a plan to manage that risk and then ensure that the plan is implemented, reviewed and updated in response to events. In this report, we identify a number of areas where these elements of MAPPA work can be improved and we make a range of recommendations to address these findings. Details: London: Criminal Justice Joint Inspection, 2011. 50p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed November 19, 2011 at: http://www.justice.gov.uk/downloads/publications/inspectorate-reports/hmiprob/mappa-thematic-report.pdf Year: 2011 Country: United Kingdom URL: http://www.justice.gov.uk/downloads/publications/inspectorate-reports/hmiprob/mappa-thematic-report.pdf Shelf Number: 123404 Keywords: Agency Collaboration (U.K.)Community Based CorrectionsOffender SupervisionPartnershipsProbationRisk Management |
Author: Jolliffe, Darrick Title: Re-offending Analysis of Women Offenders Referred to Together Women (TW) and the Scope to Divert from Custody Summary: Together Women was a community-based holistic intervention aimed at socially excluded women who were ‘offenders’ (with a recent or past criminal conviction) or ‘at risk’ of offending, although neither category was prescriptively defined. Issues about data monitoring, the definitions of needs and outcomes which were highlighted in previous reports continued to hamper a robust evaluation of TW meaning only a limited quantitative assessment of the impact of TW could be undertaken. The results suggested that there was no difference in the prevalence or frequency of proven re-offending among women referred to TW and comparable women who were supported by the Probation Service. These findings should be interpreted cautiously given the limited number of TW service users identified (as a proportion of those referred), the limited number of TW service users recorded as having received support from TW, and the reliance on criminal records data to equate the TW and comparison group. Interviews with sentencers, particularly magistrates, suggested that while most considered TW to be a useful supplement to the range of non-custodial options, its availability rarely influenced the decision to divert from custody. There was some evidence that this could change if TW was used as a specified activity on a community order. However, some sentencers thought this would undermine the essential TW ethos of empowering women to take control of their lives. Details: London: Ministry of Justice, 2011. 54p. Source: Internet Resource: Ministry of Justice Research Series 11/11: Accessed January 18, 2012 at: http://www.justice.gov.uk/downloads/publications/research-and-analysis/moj-research/women-offenders-referred-together-women.pdf Year: 2011 Country: United Kingdom URL: http://www.justice.gov.uk/downloads/publications/research-and-analysis/moj-research/women-offenders-referred-together-women.pdf Shelf Number: 123655 Keywords: Alternatives to IncarcerationCommunity Based CorrectionsDiversionFemale Offenders (U.K.)RecidivismRehabilitation |
Author: Armstrong, Sarah Title: User Views of Punishment: The comparative experience of short prison sentences and community-based punishments Summary: Despite a substantial knowledge base about experiences of prison, there is scant research on the most common penal experience in Scotland – doing a short prison sentence (but see Criminal Justice Forum, 2003). Short prison sentences are one of the characteristic features of imprisonment in Scotland, where the vast majority of custodial sentences issued in a year (ranging anywhere between 75% and 80%) are for six months or less (Scottish Government, 2010). The current Government is pursuing an agenda to reduce the short sentence culture in Scotland, by expanding the use of community-based forms of punishment and creating a legal presumption against the use of very short stays in prison. In addition, there is also growing belief that bringing the voices of ‘users’ into policy deliberations and development are essential for the effective design and delivery as well as the credibility of public services (Weaver, 2010). Prisoners and offenders – like victims, communities, and criminal justice professionals – are a key user group of criminal justice services, and the Government has expressed interest in learning more about the perspectives of various users. In light of these developments, we sought the views of people experiencing typically brief jail sentences as well as the views of those who have experience of community-based sanctions, the intended alternative. This research was proposed to begin filling our gap in knowledge as well as to provide relevant information to policy makers and others involved in or affected by the current reform programme. This report highlights emerging themes of the analysis with a particular focus on the experience and effects of imprisonment. A forthcoming research report will focus on the experiences and effects of community sanctions. We are continuing to review interview transcripts as well as explore the relevant theoretical frameworks being used to interpret the voices of offenders and would be happy to present this work to interested groups. Details: Edinburgh: Scottish Centre for Crime & Justice Research, 2010. 35p. Source: Research Report No. 04/2010: Internet Resource: Accessed March 20, 2012 at http://www.sccjr.ac.uk/documents/Report%202010%2004%20-%20User%20Views%20of%20Punishment.pdf Year: 2010 Country: United Kingdom URL: http://www.sccjr.ac.uk/documents/Report%202010%2004%20-%20User%20Views%20of%20Punishment.pdf Shelf Number: 124589 Keywords: Alternatives to ImprisonmentCommunity Based CorrectionsPunishmentSentencing (Scotland) |
Author: Ringland, Clare Title: Intensive Correction Orders vs other Penalties: Offender Profiles Summary: Aim: To examine the profile of offenders given intensive correction orders in New South Wales and to compare these offenders with those who received other penalties. Method: Details of offenders’ demographic and offence characteristics, prior convictions and penalties were examined. Logistic regression models were developed to compare those who received intensive correction orders with those who received other penalties. Results: Between 1 October 2010 and 30 September 2011, 488 offenders in NSW were given an intensive correction order. The majority of offenders were male (89%); on average, they were 32.7 years of age, with 5.3 prior proven court appearances, and most commonly they were convicted of traffic and vehicle regulatory offences (40%). When compared with offenders receiving periodic detention, a suspended sentence with supervision, a community service order or a sentence of imprisonment, those who received intensive correction orders were most similar to those who received periodic detention in the preceding year. However, they were more likely to be female, have a prior prison sentence and live in a major city than those who had received periodic detention. Conclusion: The profile of offenders receiving intensive correction orders was very similar to the profile of those who previously received periodic detention. Details: Sydney: NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, 2012. 16p. Source: Internet Resource: Contemporary Issues in Crime and Justice Number 163: Accessed July 11, 2012 at: http://www.bocsar.nsw.gov.au/lawlink/bocsar/ll_bocsar.nsf/vwFiles/CJB163.pdf/$file/CJB163.pdf Year: 2012 Country: Australia URL: http://www.bocsar.nsw.gov.au/lawlink/bocsar/ll_bocsar.nsf/vwFiles/CJB163.pdf/$file/CJB163.pdf Shelf Number: 125543 Keywords: Alternatives to IncarcerationCommunity Based CorrectionsOffenders (Australia)Sentencing |
Author: Victim Support Title: Out in the Open: What Victims Really Think About Community Sentencing Summary: Confidence in the criminal justice system among victims remains far too low. The rule of law rightly demands that victims do not dictate justice or sentencing, but the engagement and confidence of victims in it is nevertheless vital. Victims and witnesses have been historically marginalised in the field of sentencing. While this has begun to change and the need to consider victims’ perspectives is acknowledged more widely, the views of victims continue to be misrepresented and misunderstood. These issues are of particular importance at a time when significant changes are underway in sentencing and the wider criminal justice system. Sentencing policy has been singled out by the coalition Government as a priority for reform. A key aspect of this is reduction in the use of short – term prison sentences for lower level offences and the increased use of community sentences as an alternative. Reforms of community sentences are proposed in order to make them more effective and to gain the confidence of victims and wider society. If this process is to be successful it must take account of victims’ views and concerns. Against this background Victim Support and Make Justice Work decided to investigate the attitudes of victims of crime towards community sentencing. Our report shows that victims are more open to the use of alternatives to custody, more than is widely supposed, but that they also have serious misgivings about their effectiveness. This report poses a challenge to policy makers – to demonstrate to victims of crime that community sentences are robust and credible and to ensure their voices are heard. We believe the conclusions and recommendations made in light of these findings reveal how effective changes can be made. Details: London: Victim Support, 2012. 32p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed September 25, 2012 at: http://www.victimsupport.org/About-us/News/2012/09/~/media/Files/Publications/ResearchReports/MJW%20and%20VS%20report%20-%20FINAL Year: 2012 Country: United Kingdom URL: http://www.victimsupport.org/About-us/News/2012/09/~/media/Files/Publications/ResearchReports/MJW%20and%20VS%20report%20-%20FINAL Shelf Number: 126445 Keywords: Alternatives to IncarcerationCommunity Based CorrectionsCommunity SentencingVictims of Crime (U.K.) |
Author: Uchida, Craig D. Title: Evaluating A Presumptive Drug Testing Technology in Community Corrections Settings Summary: Justice & Security Strategies, Inc. (JSS) conducted a multi-site evaluation of a presumptive drug detection technology developed by Mistral Security Incorporated (MSI). Funded by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) the evaluation used multiple social scientific methods to determine whether the technology could be used in community corrections settings and whether the technology was cost-effective. The evaluation was conducted in a work release program, with probation and parole, and in a drug court in three states -- Wyoming, Alabama, and Florida. The presumptive drug detection technology (PDDT) involved the use of aerosol sprays which were used with specialized paper that react with trace elements of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and marijuana. Basically, the specialized paper is swiped onto a surface (desk, chair, or any item) or a person (hands, arms, etc.) and then the paper is sprayed with the aerosol. If the paper changes color then it indicates trace elements of a specific drug. Unlike urinalysis, Mistral's products are not meant to determine whether a person has ingested drugs, only that the person has touched, handled, or come into contact with an illegal substance. JSS staff worked with corrections staff to test the technology on clients within community corrections settings. JSS collected data on 562 tests, interviewed clients, correctional officers, and staff, and observed the use of the spray and specialized paper. The major goal of the evaluation was to determine whether the PDDT has a place in the field of community corrections. This evaluation asked: 1. Will this technology increase agencies' success in identifying offenders and/or settings that have been exposed to drugs? 2. Does the technology help to decrease the overall cost of drug testing (i.e., less use of urine analysis)? and 3. What is the overall cost/effectiveness of using this product? Details: Silver Spring, MD: Justice & Security Strategies, Inc., 2012. 58p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed January 17, 2013 at: https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/grants/240599.pdf Year: 2012 Country: United States URL: https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/grants/240599.pdf Shelf Number: 127338 Keywords: Community Based CorrectionsCost Benefit AnalysisDrug DetectionDrug Testing |
Author: Nicholles, Natalie Title: Women's Community Services: A Wise Commission Summary: By helping women to make positive changes their lives, women’s community services can help reduce demands on state services including police, courts and offender management, prisons and social services, primary and emergency healthcare, and housing. They can also improve the long-term outcomes for the children of their clients. This report aims to support local commissioners and decision-makers in meeting the needs of vulnerable women efficiently and effectively. Its findings are the outcome of a year-long research collaboration between nef consulting and five women’s community services, which was funded by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) and the Corston Independent Funders Coalition (CIFC) through the Women’s Diversionary Fund (WDF). It presents the views of clients and staff on the ways in which the services facilitate change by undertaking activities that improve women’s well-being. It offers primary evidence on the demonstrable impact services have on well-being and explores secondary evidence about how these impacts may contribute to reduced reoffending, improved health, and better outcomes for children. Details: London: New Economics Foundation, 2012. 48p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed January 25, 2013 at: http://www.neweconomics.org/sites/neweconomics.org/files/A_Wise_Commission_webReady.pdf Year: 2012 Country: United Kingdom URL: http://www.neweconomics.org/sites/neweconomics.org/files/A_Wise_Commission_webReady.pdf Shelf Number: 127409 Keywords: Alternatives to IncarcerationCommunity Based CorrectionsFemale Offenders (U.K.) |
Author: Scott, Gael Title: The Mental Health Treatment Requirement: Realising a Better Future Summary: The Mental Health Treatment Requirement (MHTR) is one of twelve options available to magistrates and judges when they make a Community Order - a sentence served by an offender in the community. Given the prevalence of mental health problems within the criminal justice system, there has been a surprisingly low uptake of the MHTR to date - it represents fewer than 1% of all requirements made as part of Community Orders. The MHTR has unfulfilled potential to offer offenders with mental health problems the option of a sentence in the community which will enable them to engage with appropriate treatment and support. Wider use of the MHTR could result in improved health outcomes and reduced reoffending, cutting the costs of crime for the wider community. There have been a number of barriers to its effective use, including uncertainty as to who should receive an MHTR, how breaches of the order are managed and the need for a formal psychiatric report. Recent changes to the legal framework for the MHTR offer hope that it will become more flexible and therefore more effective as a form of diversion and rehabilitation. But there are concerns that the impact of other changes in policy and the current pressures on public spending may create further barriers to the effective use of the MHTR. This briefing examines these barriers and how they can be overcome. At a time where both the criminal justice and health systems are undergoing reform against a backdrop of significant cuts to public spending, the Criminal Justice Alliance and Centre for Mental Health believe now is an opportune time to raise the profile of the MHTR and consider how professionals can be supported to use the requirement effectively. Executive Summary This paper makes seven key recommendations to achieve this transition in the light of recent changes to health and criminal justice services. • The Government should develop clear guidance on the MHTR. • More training and information on mental health, including the MHTR, should be made available to criminal justice staff. Health professionals should also have more information on the MHTR and their role in delivering it. • For each local area, Her Majesty’s Court Service should work with the relevant mental health commissioners and service providers to establish an agreed protocol on the provision of mental health assessments and advice to the courts. • The Government should monitor levels of uptake of the MHTR. • Liaison and diversion schemes in courts should provide information to the courts for sentencing and support criminal justice professionals in responding appropriately to individuals with mental health problems. • Health and Wellbeing Boards and Clinical Commissioning Groups must consider how local commissioning plans will meet the mental health and other related needs of offenders. • There should be investment in research focusing on the mental health needs of offenders serving community sentences and how such individuals can be supported to reduce offending and improve their mental health. Details: London: Centre for Mental Health and Criminal Justice Alliance, 2012. 24p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed January 30, 2013 at: http://www.centreformentalhealth.org.uk/pdfs/MHTR_2012.pdf Year: 2012 Country: United Kingdom URL: http://www.centreformentalhealth.org.uk/pdfs/MHTR_2012.pdf Shelf Number: 127445 Keywords: Community Based CorrectionsMental Health ServicesMentally Ill Offenders (U.K.) |
Author: King, Lucy Title: Tai Aroha – The First Two Years: A formative evaluation of a residential community based programme for offenders Summary: Since October 2007, the number of community-based sentencing options available to the judiciary increased. This led to an increase in the number of offenders in the community requiring rehabilitative interventions. Although the range of rehabilitative options increased, very few programmes focused on the highest risk offender group. Community Residential Centres (CRCs), such as Montgomery House, were originally established to deliver services for high risk offenders in the community but rarely did so, leaving a service gap. In addition, offenders attending the CRCs were on temporary release from prison rather than being permanently in the community. To address these issues, the Psychological Services of the Department developed and tested an intensive residential rehabilitation programme for male offenders serving community sentences. In November 2008, the Executive Management Team (EMT) agreed that this programme would be an open rolling programme with content based on the 300- hour programme delivered in the Special Treatment Units in prison (particularly the Violence Prevention Unit) and the Medium Intensity Rehabilitation Programme. It included a specific focus on the needs of Māori offenders. The Tai Aroha therapeutic community was based on the hierarchical model described by De Leon (20001). The format involved full residence (24 hours, 7 days per week) with an expected stay of 14 to 16 weeks. Offenders transitioned through 4 phases from orientation to full community living over the course of the programme. The core programme (including skills training) was based on best practice principles in offender rehabilitation and adhered to risk, needs and responsivity principles. Cognitive behavioural and relapse prevention informed treatment. Elements of the Good Lives Model were incorporated to enhance programme responsivity. Targets for treatment included: antisocial attitudes and offence-related thinking, antisocial and criminal associates, emotion and behaviour self-regulation difficulties, relationship problems (marital and family), impaired self-management and/ or problem solving skills, and alcohol and drug abuse. The programme was based on open group membership where new residents joined as former residents exited. To graduate residents had to complete assignments associated with each core module and achieve programme learning objectives. The design phase produced a complete group treatment programme containing 10 modules and related assignments. The modules were. 1. Assessment 2. Orientation (includes mindfulness and distress tolerance) 3. Aspirations 4. Life history and self-evaluation 5. Acceptance of responsibility/restructuring problem and offence-related thinking 6. Offence pathways 7. Emotional management 8. Substance abuse management 9. Relationship management 10. Relapse prevention. Details: Wellington, NZ: Psychological Services, Department of Corrections, 2012. 48p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed March 15, 2013 at: http://www.corrections.govt.nz/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/641218/COR_Tai_Aroha_WEB.pdf Year: 2012 Country: New Zealand URL: http://www.corrections.govt.nz/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/641218/COR_Tai_Aroha_WEB.pdf Shelf Number: 127965 Keywords: Alternatives to IncarcerationCommunity Based CorrectionsPsychological ServicesRehabilitationTherapeutic Communities |
Author: Levin, Marc A. Title: The Verdict on Federal Prison Reform: State Successes Offer Keys to Reducing Crime & Costs Summary: Key Findings • The federal government should better utilize probation, accountability courts, and other community-based sanctions that the states have used to control criminal justice costs and improve public safety. • The federal prison system should expand good time credits. • The federal government should implement better strategies to improve ex-offender reentry and limit the “collateral consequences” of incarceration. • Congress should reverse decades of overcriminalization and limit the use of criminal law to regulate behavior that is not traditionally considered criminal in nature. Details: Austin, TX: Texas Public Policy Foundation, 2013. 11p. Source: Internet Resource: Policy Perspective: Accessed August 6, 2013 at: http://www.texaspolicy.com/sites/default/files/documents/2013-07-PP24-VerdictOnFederalPrisonReform-CEJ-LevinReddy.pdf Year: 2013 Country: United States URL: http://www.texaspolicy.com/sites/default/files/documents/2013-07-PP24-VerdictOnFederalPrisonReform-CEJ-LevinReddy.pdf Shelf Number: 129561 Keywords: Alternatives to IncarcerationCommunity Based CorrectionsCosts of CorrectionsFederal Prisons (U.S.)Prison Reform |
Author: Ashworth, Andrew Title: What if Imprisonment were Abolished for Property Offences? Summary: As part of our 'What if?' series, Professor Andrew Ashworth, Vinerian Professor of English Law at All Souls College, Oxford University, asks 'What if imprisonment were abolished for property offences?' He argues that deprivation of liberty is a disproportionate response for an offence that deprives people of their property. The paper considers both fines and community sentences as alternative sentencing options. In essence, the paper argues for fair and proportional sentencing, which, if the proposal were adopted, would have far-reaching consequences for the penal system, and a significant impact on the size of the prison population in England and Wales. Details: London: Howard League for Penal Reform, 2013. 18p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed October 28, 2013 at: http://www.howardleague.org/propertyoffences/ Year: 2013 Country: United Kingdom URL: http://www.howardleague.org/propertyoffences/ Shelf Number: 131491 Keywords: Alternatives to Incarceration (U.K.)Community Based CorrectionsFines |
Author: Zampese, Linda Title: When the Bough Breaks; A literature based intervention strategy for young offenders Summary: The aim of this literature review was to determine which types of treatment are effective in reducing recidivism among young offenders. Young offenders are defined as that proportion of the New Zealand Department of Corrections offender population aged 17- 20 years. The review focused on young offenders because they are widely acknowledged as being unresponsive to treatment. The review included studies of treatment that had some effect on recidivism or had some other notable characteristic. Because there have been few well-controlled evaluations of treatment programmes for young offenders in New Zealand, most of the material refers to overseas programmes. Offenders in the 17-20 year age group have the highest officially recorded rate of offending of all age groups in New Zealand. The type of offences they commit parallel the pattern of offending by adult offenders. Crimes of property damage and violence are increasing which suggests that more young people entering the Department of Corrections system may have a background in violent crime. Maori have the highest rate of offending followed by Pacific people and other ethnic groups. Reconviction rates are also the highest of all offender age groups, with rates being particularly high among 14-17 year olds. Young offenders tend to be generalists in that they do not show any patterns of offence type specialisation. This means that programmes targeted to particular "types" of young offender are not likely to be useful. Three principles have been developed for classifying offenders to ensure effective rehabilitation and targeting of treatment resources. According to these principles, offenders should be classified according to risk level, criminogenic need and response to different types of treatment. Research shows that only small proportions of youth, less than 10%, are at risk of becoming persistent offenders. The risk profile of young offenders is remarkably similar to that of adults. The key characteristics of high-risk youth appear to be: - a history of antisocial behaviour beginning at an early age - antisocial attitudes, values and beliefs - antisocial associates - problems with interpersonal relationships including indifference, poor social skills and weak affective ties - a difficult temperament which may be aggressive, callous, impulsive or egocentric - problems at school, work or leisure and low levels of achievement in these areas - early and current family conditions, including low levels of affection, cohesiveness and/or monitoring and problems at home. Risk level is generally assessed through risk assessment instruments rather than through unstructured clinical judgement. The study reviews a number of instruments and refers to the risk assessment instrument developed by the Department of Corrections Psychological Service, which will be implemented as part of the Integrated Offender Management Plan. Criminogenic needs are those characteristics of offenders and their circumstances that will reduce recidivism if changed. The most likely targets for change include: - antisocial attitudes and feelings - aggressive/violent behaviours - antisocial peer associations and behaviours - familial affection and communication and familial monitoring and supervision - substance abuse and dependency Changes can be made in different ways including by: - promoting identification with anti-criminal role models and increasing association with pro-social others developing non-criminal activities which provide personal, interpersonal and other rewards - increasing academic and work skills - attending to relapse prevention issues - increasing self-control, self-management and problem-solving skills - changing antisocial attitudes and beliefs - teaching anger management and conflict resolution skills - increasing familial cohesiveness/levels of affection within the home - treating substance abuse - improving motivation for change. The report reviews a number of risk/needs classification systems and concludes that no adequate instruments have yet been developed for assessing young offenders in the New Zealand context. Assessing offenders' likely response to different styles and modes of service involves assessing their personality characteristics, conceptual levels, neuro-psychological deficits and levels of psychopathy, anxiety and motivation as well as addressing cultural issues. The study concludes that priority should be given to developing a treatment classification system that would enable resources to be targeted to moderate and high-risk offenders. Details: Christchurch, NZ: New Zealand Department of Corrections, Psychological Service, 2003. 87p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed November 23, 2013 at: http://www.corrections.govt.nz/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/665634/bough.pdf Year: 2003 Country: New Zealand URL: http://www.corrections.govt.nz/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/665634/bough.pdf Shelf Number: 131672 Keywords: Community Based CorrectionsJuvenile CorrectionsJuvenile Offenders (New Zealand)RehabilitationTreatment ProgramsWilderness Programs |
Author: Irish Penal Reform Trust Title: Women in the Criminal Justice System: Towards a Non-Custodial Approach Summary: The IPRT Position Paper 10: Women in the Criminal Justice System - Towards a non-custodial approach includes an account of recent trends in the imprisonment of women in Ireland. It goes on to look at the complex range of needs experienced by many women convicted of an offence and the associated overuse of remand for women offenders. It then discusses the issues faced by women in prison who have caring responsibilities, followed by a section on challenges faced by women leaving prison. Key Messages - The number and proportion of women in the Irish prison population has increased significantly in recent years. Most women are committed to prison for non-violent offences, such as non-payment of fines. Consequences have included overcrowding in women's prisons and an overuse of temporary release. - Women offenders tend to come from a background of social disadvantage and poverty, and often suffer from mental health problems, substance dependency, accommodation problems and poor family relationships. These issues can make it difficult for women to adhere to bail conditions, which has led to an overuse of remand for women offenders. This in turn has negative implications for children of women who are imprisoned on remand and the employment prospects of these women. - A high proportion of women in prison have children. Women also play an important role in caring for dependent relatives. Women who are imprisoned can no longer fulfil their caring responsibilities and the consequences of this can be significant. This is particularly an issue for mothers with babies, due to the absence of a mother and baby unit in either female prison in Ireland. - Women face a range of problems on being released from prison, relating to housing, accommodation and stability, and over half of women prisoners reoffend. - Developments in the UK have reflected a growing acknowledgement of the value of non-custodial alternatives and community-based supports for women offenders. This has also been highlighted by the UN, in the 'Bangkok Rules', which have informed the Irish Inspector of Prisons on the subject of women prisoners. - The 'one-stop-shop' approach to supporting women offenders in the community takes a holistic approach, with a range of supports and services provided in one location. A number of centres in the UK are based on this promising model. In Ireland, the Tus Nua project provides supported housing and other supports to women leaving the Dochas Centre. - This position paper makes two key recommendations: that a non-custodial approach should be adopted for women offenders; and in the few cases where prison is necessary, the negative impact of imprisonment on the women and those they care for should be minimised. The next section details developments in the UK and prison standards that reflect an increasing acknowledgement of the value of a community-based approach to dealing with women offenders. This is followed by an overview of some emerging models of good practice, followed by conclusions and two key recommendations. Details: Dublin: Irish Penal Reform Trust, 2013. 24p. Source: Internet Resource: IPRT Position Paper 10: Accessed March 14, 2014 at: http://www.iprt.ie/files/IPRT_Position_Paper_on_Women_in_the_Criminal_Justice_System.pdf Year: 2013 Country: Ireland URL: http://www.iprt.ie/files/IPRT_Position_Paper_on_Women_in_the_Criminal_Justice_System.pdf Shelf Number: 131924 Keywords: Alternatives to IncarcerationChildren of PrisonersCommunity Based CorrectionsCommunity CorrectionsFemale InmatesFemale OffendersWomen Inmates |
Author: Turner, Shelley Title: Case Management with Women Offenders: Literature Review Summary: This literature review relates to case management in community corrections with women offenders. The review summarises research outcomes about best practice principles for the management of women offenders under community corrections supervision. The review also examines the outcomes of evaluations of case management as a supervisory and rehabilitative mechanism. The central purpose of the review is to inform a Dedicated Women's Case Management pilot project conducted by Corrections Victoria, which involves using specialist case managers for women offenders, assessed as being at medium to high risk of re-offending or with multiple and complex needs. The review examines international and Australian literature on effective practice and 'what works' with offenders and, in particular women offenders, to reduce recidivism, as well as international and Australian literature on case management approaches in community corrections, with particular reference to those designed for women offenders. Details: Melbourne: Department of Justice - Corrections Victoria, 2010. 51p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed June 19, 2014 at: http://www.corrections.vic.gov.au/utility/publications+manuals+and+statistics/literature+review+on+case+management+with+women+offenders Year: 2010 Country: International URL: http://www.corrections.vic.gov.au/utility/publications+manuals+and+statistics/literature+review+on+case+management+with+women+offenders Shelf Number: 132510 Keywords: Case ManagementCommunity Based CorrectionsCommunity SupervisionFemale OffendersOffender Rehabilitation |
Author: Centre for Social Justice Title: Sentences in the Community: Reforms to restore credibility, protect the public and cut crime Summary: Community sentences have a particularly important role in ensuring social justice. They are the most commonly used sentence for serious crimes and have the potential to be the most powerful tool for addressing the root causes of offending behaviour. By carrying out sentences in the community, rather than prison, it is far easier and cheaper to provide support that addresses underlying issues, such as drug and alcohol addiction. Yet despite community sentences' potential, they are proving largely ineffective at changing lives. A third of offenders are caught reoffending within a year of being sentenced, committing around 150,000 further crimes. Instead of stopping offending in its tracks, community sentences have become a stepping stone on the path to prison. This was highlighted by shocking Ministry of Justice figures which showed that 37,019 (35 per cent) of those sentenced to custody in 2012 had received at least five previous community sentences. It is not difficult to see why they are failing. Offenders are not held properly to account for complying with their sentence, and our main weapon against drug addiction - the drug rehabilitation requirement (DRR) - is more likely to sanction people for whether they attend meetings than whether they come off drugs. Despite clear evidence of the importance of a positive family influence in persuading offenders to leave a life of crime, families are too often shut out from the rehabilitative process. Our proposals come at a time of significant change to the way offenders are managed in the community. The probation service has drifted from providing innovative, bespoke support for offenders to a risk-adverse, box-ticking approach. Up to three-quarters of their time is spent on work not directly engaging with offenders.8 In response the Coalition Government is implementing the Transforming Rehabilitation (TR) Programme to tackle bureaucracy and introduce innovation to the delivery of probation services. This paper seeks to contribute towards the success of these reforms by setting out the current challenges facing community sentences, and presenting ideas on how to make them more effectively at reducing reoffending. The research was informed by a large number of interviews with magistrates and judges, probation staff, private and voluntary organisations delivering community sentences, and offenders themselves. The CSJ also held a roundtable of expert witnesses in late 2013, analysed official data and conducted a number of Freedom of Information requests. Community sentences need to improve if they are to have any meaningful impact on reoffending rates. The reforms set out in this paper are a roadmap for how we can make community sentences a powerful crime-fighting tool that stops offending behaviour in its tracks and keeps communities safe. Details: London: Centre for Social Justice, 2014. 50p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed August 25, 2014 at: http://www.centreforsocialjustice.org.uk/UserStorage/pdf/Pdf%20reports/CSJ_Community_Sentencing_Report_WEB-final.pdf Year: 2014 Country: United Kingdom URL: http://www.centreforsocialjustice.org.uk/UserStorage/pdf/Pdf%20reports/CSJ_Community_Sentencing_Report_WEB-final.pdf Shelf Number: 133131 Keywords: Alternatives to Incarceration (U.K.)Community Based CorrectionsCommunity SentencesOffender Supervision |
Author: Cobb, Kimberly Title: Going Beyond Compliance Monitoring of Drug/Alcohol-Involved Tribal Probationers Summary: It is no secret that alcohol and substance abuse are common problems in Indian Country. While official data on crime in Indian Country is hard to come by, anecdotal data alludes to the fact that many tribal communities face overwhelming numbers of crimes either directly related to or associated with drugs/alcohol. Alcohol abuse has been associated with numerous negative consequences including crime, domestic violence, sexual assault and rape, suicide, morbidity, and ultimately mortality (Aguirre & Watts, 2010; Kovas, McFarland, Landen, Lopez, & May, 2008). However, alcohol is far from the only substance abused on tribal land. Marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, and various pharmaceutical drugs are also regularly abused (NDIC, 2008). Although there has been great emphasis lately on the building or renovation of detention facilities in Indian Country, many tribal communities hold fast to the belief that they do not want to imprison their members. In fact, alternatives to incarceration, which includes probation and community supervision programs, are professed as a more "culturally compatible approach to punishment for crime" in Indian Country (Luna-Firebaugh, 2003, p. 63). Therefore, unless something tragic has occurred, those charged with drug/alcohol-related offenses will more than likely be placed on community supervision. That is where you come in as the tribal probation officer. Working with probationers is more than just identifying and controlling their risk to re-offend. As a tribal probation officer, you are "charged with ensuring public safety; holding offenders accountable for their actions; and, facilitating behavioral change in offenders" (The Century Council, 2010, pg. 8). In order to fulfill this charge, you often have to take on many roles associated with law enforcement, social work, counselor and court servant - which, at times, can have conflicting goals (Cobb, Mowatt, Matz, & Mullins, 2011). To be effective, you have to blend your duties of being an officer of the court (focused on compliance) and a probationer motivator (focused on facilitating behavior change) - both of which are necessary to fulfill the mandate of protecting public safety. In order to be effective and protect public safety over the long-term, as a tribal probation officer, you must move beyond compliance monitoring of the probation conditions ordered by the court to working with individuals on your caseload to identifying the root cause of the issues behind their drug/alcohol-related problems and intervene as necessary to put them on a better path. Details: Lexington, KY: American Probation & Parole Association, 2014. 22p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed August 25, 2014 at: http://www.appa-net.org/eweb/docs/APPA/pubs/GBAITP.pdf Year: 2014 Country: United States URL: http://www.appa-net.org/eweb/docs/APPA/pubs/GBCMDAITP.pdf Shelf Number: 133133 Keywords: Alcohol AbuseAlternatives To IncarcerationCommunity Based CorrectionsCommunity SupervisionDrug Abuse and AddictionDrug OffendersIndians of North AmericaProbation Officers (U.S.)ProbationersRisk AssessmentSubstance Abuse |
Author: Great Britain. Ministry of Justice. Justice Data Lab Title: Re-offending Analysis: Warwickshire Youth Justice Service Summary: This analysis assessed the impact on re-offending of an intervention targeted at young offenders who had committed a violent offence, provided by Warwickshire Youth Justice Service (WYJS). The one year proven re-offending rate for 82 offenders who received the service was 38%, compared with 51% for a matched control group of similar offenders. Statistical significance testing has shown that this difference in the re-offending rates is statistically significant; meaning that we can be confident that there is a real difference in the re-offending rate for the group who received the intervention. The offenders included in this analysis all had index offences of violence against the person, and were all between 14 and 18 years of age at the time of this offence. The individuals in this analysis were receiving a statutory programme of provision, which is statutory for all young offenders who commit and are subsequently convicted of violent offences. This analysis therefore presents a comparison of the provision from WYJS against the statutory provision outside the Warwickshire area. What you can say: This analysis shows that participating in an intervention provided by Warwickshire Youth Justice Service led to a reduction in re-offending of between 2 and 24 percentage points. Details: London: Ministry of Justice, 2014. 11p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed March 25, 2015 at: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/279366/warwickshire-youth-justice-service-report.pdf Year: 2014 Country: United Kingdom URL: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/279366/warwickshire-youth-justice-service-report.pdf Shelf Number: 135011 Keywords: Alternatives to IncarcerationCommunity Based CorrectionsRe-offendingRecidivismViolent Juvenile Offenders (U.K.) |
Author: Callinan, Ian Title: Review of the Parole System in Victoria Summary: Parole is the conditional release of an offender from custody. When an offender is granted parole, they serve the unexpired portion of their prison sentence in the community. Offenders who do not obtain parole and are released at the end of their sentence are not subject to the supervision, support and ongoing rehabilitation that parole provides. If the prospect of parole is removed from a prisoner, there is less incentive to undertake steps designed to reduce the risk of reoffending. The Adult Parole Board decides whether an offender will be released on parole. When deciding whether to release an offender on parole, the Boards most important consideration is community safety. Parole is served under the supervision of a Community Corrections Officer and on conditions fixed by the Adult Parole Board. While on parole, an offender is still considered to be under sentence. The purpose of parole is to supervise and support the reintegration of offenders into the community. This supervision and support benefits the wider community by reducing the risk that offenders will commit further offences when released into the community. Review of the Parole System in Victoria In May 2013, the Victorian Government commissioned former High Court Justice Ian Callinan AC to carry out a review of the Adult Parole Boards operations. Details: Melbourne: Department of Justice - Corrections Victoria, 2013. 122p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed April 1, 2015 at: http://assets.justice.vic.gov.au/corrections/resources/11ee85a1-67c5-4493-9d81-1ce49941cce5/reviewadultparoleboardv1.pdf Year: 2013 Country: Australia URL: http://assets.justice.vic.gov.au/corrections/resources/11ee85a1-67c5-4493-9d81-1ce49941cce5/reviewadultparoleboardv1.pdf Shelf Number: 135119 Keywords: Community Based CorrectionsOffender SupervisionParole (Australia)Sentencing |
Author: Council of State Governments, Justice Center Title: Juvenile Reinvestment in Alabama: Analysis and Policy Framework Summary: This report summarizes comprehensive analyses of sentencing, corrections, probation, and parole data presented to Alabama's Prison Reform Task Force. It outlines strategies and policy options to reduce the prison population and recidivism in the state by strengthening community-based supervision and treatment, prioritizing prison space for violent and dangerous offenders, and providing supervision to every person released from prison. The report also offers strategies for supporting victims of crime through improved victim notification. If implemented, the report's suggested policies would reinvest $26 million in recidivism reduction strategies in FY2016 and avert $407 million in prison construction and operations costs by FY2021 Details: New York: Council of State Governments Justice Center, 2015. 32p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 30, 2015 at: http://csgjusticecenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/JRinAlabamaPoliciesandFramework.pdf Year: 2015 Country: United States URL: http://csgjusticecenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/JRinAlabamaPoliciesandFramework.pdf Shelf Number: 135832 Keywords: Alternatives to IncarcerationCommunity Based CorrectionsCommunity SupervisionCorrectional InstitutionsJustice ReinvestmentParolePrisonsProbation |
Author: Western Australia. Office of the Auditor General Title: Implementing and Managing Community Based Sentences Summary: Background Community Based Orders and Intensive Supervision Orders are available to the courts for sentencing convicted off enders and are served in the community. They were established as part of a sentencing hierarchy by the Sentencing Act 1995. They are a low cost sentencing option, currently costing the State $12 per day per off ender as compared to $180 per day for imprisonment. They were expected to contribute to reducing imprisonment rates and to enable the punitive and rehabilitative aspects of sentences to be more effective. In 2000 nearly 4000 such sentences were issued to both first time offenders and repeat offenders who had been convicted of a variety of offences from robbery to drink driving offences. What the examination found... Western Australia's imprisonment rate continues to be higher than that of most States and Territories. About 60 per cent of Community Based Orders and about 50 per cent of Intensive Supervision Orders issued each year are completed. These completion rates are lower than those for most other states and territories. Off enders assessed as having a high risk of re-off ending have a lower completion rate (42 per cent) than other off enders (70 per cent). The Ministry of Justice does not have a comprehensive strategy for rehabilitating off enders and the rehabilitative effects of the sentences are not known. The management of treatment programs, the main ingredient for rehabilitating off enders is ad hoc and inconsistent with little or no coordination of the internal and external program providers. Case management is not achieving its objective of being an integrated process for managing offenders. Although the Ministry collects a variety of information about offenders this information is not always analysed and utilized in planning services to enable more targeted service provision. Both the overall number of offenders on these orders, as well as the proportion of high-risk offenders, has increased since the Sentencing Act was implemented without any review of resourcing. Managing offenders is a specialised function that requires considerable experience for effective service provision. Many Community Corrections Officers employed on short-term contracts, are inexperienced and carry heavy caseloads. There is a risk that inexperienced staff can make poor judgements, which could impact negatively on the off ender and the community. While there are a plethora of processes, practices and programs in the management of offenders, the Ministry does not regularly evaluate them. Therefore, it is not known whether these processes, practices and programs benefit or hinder their management. What the examination recommended... Major recommendations made in the report are that: The Ministry of Justice should: Systematically collect and evaluate information about the characteristics of offenders to enable more informed planning. Develop a comprehensive rehabilitation strategy for offenders in the community. Define the aims of rehabilitation and develop and implement appropriate performance indicators to assess the rehabilitative benefits of orders. Regularly review resource allocations in relation to the demands presented by the changing characteristics of offenders. Evaluate their services regularly with a view to ensuring their appropriateness and effectiveness. -- Develop and implement a human resource management plan that ensures a stable and well-trained workforce. Identify and endorse appropriate benchmarks for the workloads of Community Correction Officers and other staff to enable meaningful development performance measures for their work. Details: Perth: Western Australia Auditor General, 2001. 56p. Source: Internet Resource: Report No. 3: Accessed August 26, 2015 at: https://audit.wa.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/report2001_03.pdf Year: 2001 Country: Australia URL: https://audit.wa.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/report2001_03.pdf Shelf Number: 136591 Keywords: Community Based CorrectionsCommunity CorrectionsCosts of CorrectionsIntensive SupervisionOffender ManagementOffender Supervision |
Author: Desai, Anita Title: Community Connections: The Key to Community Corrections for Individuals with Mental Health Disorders Summary: The scope of the Community Connections report moves beyond Towards an Integrated Network (St. Leonard's Society of Canada and Canadian Criminal Justice Association 2008) by focusing on those who are not diverted from the criminal justice system and who - sometimes repeatedly - enter this system struggling with mental health disorders. Based on the experiences of SLSC and its affiliates, and research conducted in this field, there is evidence of a need for integrated and cooperative approaches for the successful reintegration of offenders who have mental health disorders. Beyond successful diversion practices, SLSC has identified four major principles to consider when approaching the issue of successful reintegration and community connections for residents at Community-based Residential Facilities (CBRFs) living with mental health disorders. These include: accurate diagnoses, treatment, and discharge planning beginning within the prison; successful in reach efforts between CBRFs and the offender prior to release; successful partnerships between the CBRF, the resident, and at least one mental health partner - inclusive of a mental health agency within the local community; and finally, adequate discharge planning that involves the establishment of a support system that can and will be accessed by clients upon warrant expiry. SLSC has conducted this research with one major issue guiding our objective: to recognize that the needs of offenders who have mental health disorders do not end concurrently with warrant expiry, and it is this reality that motivates and demands that we continue on the journey of creating stronger, healthier, and more reliable community connections. Details: Ottawa: St. Leonard's Society of Canada, 2010. 58p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed September 16, 2015 at: http://www.hsjcc.on.ca/Resource%20Library/Social%20Determinants%20of%20Health/Community%20Connections%20-%20The%20Key%20to%20Community%20Corrections%20for%20Individuals%20with%20Mental%20Health%20Disorders%202010.pdf Year: 2010 Country: Canada URL: http://www.hsjcc.on.ca/Resource%20Library/Social%20Determinants%20of%20Health/Community%20Connections%20-%20The%20Key%20to%20Community%20Corrections%20for%20Individuals%20with%20Mental%20Health%20Disorders%202010.pdf Shelf Number: 136784 Keywords: Alternatives to IncarcerationCommunity Based CorrectionsMental Health ServicesMental IllnessMentally Ill Offenders |
Author: Schiraldi, Vincent Title: Community-Based Responses to Justice-Involved Young Adults Summary: This paper raises important questions about the criminal justice system's response to young adults. Recent advances in behavior and neuroscience research confirm that brain development continues well into a person's 20s, meaning that young adults have more psychosocial similarities to children than to older adults. This developmental distinction should help inform the justice system's response to criminal behavior among this age group. Young adults comprise a disproportionately high percentage of arrests and prison admissions, and about half of all young adults return to prison within three years following release. At the Office of Justice Programs (OJP), we see the opportunity to reduce future criminal activity - and consequently the number of future victims - by having a justice system that appropriately responds to criminal behavior, helps young adults rebuild their lives, and is not overly reliant on incarceration. The authors outline a number of thoughtful recommendations aimed at making our justice system more developmentally appropriate in its response to young adults. At OJP, we are committed to collaborating with our local, state and tribal partners on this important issue so that we can help all of our communities become safer, stronger and more stable. Details: Cambridge, MA: Harvard Kennedy School, Program in Criminal Justice Policy and Management, 2015. 25p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed September 30, 2015 at: https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/248900.pdf Year: 2015 Country: United States URL: https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/248900.pdf Shelf Number: 136893 Keywords: Alternatives to IncarcerationCommunity Based CorrectionsYoung Adult Offenders |
Author: Victoria. Sentencing Advisory Council Title: Changes to Sentencing Practice: Young Adult Offenders Summary: Changes to Sentencing Practice examines the effect on young adult offenders of recent changes to sentencing options in Victoria. In particular, the analysis shows an increase in the use of the community correction order, a sentencing option introduced in Victoria in 2012. This report examines the extent to which recent changes to intermediate sentencing options in Victoria have influenced sentencing practices for young adult offenders (18 years or over and under 21 years at the time of sentencing) in Victoria. This group of offenders is a subset of the group of offenders aged under 21 that are defined as 'young offenders', by section 3 of the Sentencing Act 1991 (Vic). The analysis examines the longitudinal trends for sentencing for this age group in two ways. First, the variations in the number of young adult offenders sentenced are considered. Second, the differences in the sentencing outcomes for those offenders are explored. This report demonstrates that there has been a large decline in the number of young adult offenders sentenced in Victoria in recent years. The analysis also demonstrates that, for young adult offenders who are sentenced, there has been a notable increase in the use of the recently introduced community correction order (CCO). The report concludes by discussing some possible reasons for these trends and outlining directions for future research. Details: Melbourne: Sentencing Advisory Council, 2015. 28p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed October 5, 2015 at: https://www.sentencingcouncil.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/publication-documents/Changes%20to%20Sentencing%20Practice%20Young%20Adult%20Offenders.pdf Year: 2015 Country: Australia URL: https://www.sentencingcouncil.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/publication-documents/Changes%20to%20Sentencing%20Practice%20Young%20Adult%20Offenders.pdf Shelf Number: 136956 Keywords: Community Based CorrectionsSentencing ReformYoung Adult Offenders |
Author: Kentucky. Legislative Research Commission Title: Report of the Task Force on the Penal Code and Conptrolled Substance Act Summary: The 2010 General Assembly adopted House Concurrent Resolution 250 that created the Task Force on the Penal Code and Controlled Substances Act. The task force was directed to provide to the Interim Joint Committee on Judiciary and the Legislative Research Commission draft changes to the Penal Code, the Controlled Substances Act, and other necessary statutes. The draft shall be based on the principles of "Justice Reinvestment" and shall provide for alternatives to incarceration; the use of community treatment, education, and rehabilitation programs that have been proven to reduce recidivism; the monitoring of defendants where necessary; and a reduction of recidivism while protecting and enhancing public safety. Details: Frankfort, KY: Legislative Research Commission, 2011. 34p. Source: Internet Resource: Research Memorandum No. 506: Accessed February 24, 2016 at: http://www.lrc.ky.gov/lrcpubs/rm506.pdf Year: 2011 Country: United States URL: http://www.lrc.ky.gov/lrcpubs/rm506.pdf Shelf Number: 137955 Keywords: Alternatives to Incarceration Community Based CorrectionsCriminal Law Justice Reinvestment Penal Code Prisoners Prisons |
Author: Glaza, Thomas George Title: Community Based Registered Sex Offenders: Does One Label Fit All? Summary: The purpose of the study was to: (a) identify society's core beliefs about adult male registered sex offenders; (b) identify the primary sources from which members of society obtain their attitudes and behaviors toward adult male registered sex offenders; (c) compare these core beliefs to the findings contained in empirical research; and (d) present an objective view of adult male registered sex offenders. Details: Sarasota, FL: Argosy University, 2013. 147p. Source: Internet Resource: Dissertation: Accessed February 26, 2016 at: https://floridaactioncommittee.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Dissertation-Dr.-Thom-Glaza.pdf Year: 2013 Country: United States URL: https://floridaactioncommittee.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Dissertation-Dr.-Thom-Glaza.pdf Shelf Number: 137984 Keywords: Community Based CorrectionsSex Offender TreatmentSex Offenders |
Author: Victoria. Auditor General Title: Managing Community Correction Orders Summary: A community correction order (CCO) is a sentence imposed by a court that allows offenders to complete their sentences in a community setting. Offenders on CCOs may have to comply with specific conditions imposed by the courts, such as mandatory drug or alcohol treatment, and significant restrictions such as curfews and judicial monitoring. In this audit, we examined how effectively Corrections Victoria (CV) manages CCOs. We also looked at: the Department of Health and Human Services to assess how well it coordinates court-ordered programs with CV Victoria Police, to examine how well it exchanges information with CV about offenders on CCOs. Twelve recommendations are made in this report for CV, and one each for Victoria Police and the Department of Health and Human Services. Details: Melbourne: Auditor-General, 2017. 70p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed March 4, 2017 at: http://www.audit.vic.gov.au/publications/20170208-Community-Corrections/20170208-Community-Corrections.pdf Year: 2017 Country: Australia URL: http://www.audit.vic.gov.au/publications/20170208-Community-Corrections/20170208-Community-Corrections.pdf Shelf Number: 141340 Keywords: Alternatives to IncarcerationCommunity Based CorrectionsCommunity CorrectionsSentencing |
Author: Aebi, Marcelo Title: Council of Europe Annual Penal Statistics SPACE II Survey 2016. Persons Serving Non-Custodial Sanctions and Measures in 2016 Summary: Key points of SPACE II 2016 - The participation rate in the 2016 SPACE II Survey was very satisfying: 47 out of the 52 probation services of the 47 Council of Europe Member States answered the questionnaire. - About 75% of the probation services of the responding countries are placed under the authority of the national Ministry of Justice. This authority is shared with the Prison Administration in around 33% of these cases. - During the year 2016, 2,169,077 persons entered into supervision by the probation services, and 1,365,006 left that supervision. This represents an average rate of 258 entries and 188 exits per 100,000 inhabitants. As a comparison, in 2015, there 228 entries per 100,000 inhabitants (+13.2% in 2016) and 167 exits per 100,000 inhabitants (+12.6% in 2016). - On 31st December 2016, there were 1,628,626 persons under the supervision or care of the probation services of the responding countries. This represents an average rate of 219 probationers per 100,000 inhabitants, which is 12.3% higher than one year before (there were 195 probationers per 100,000 inhabitant on 31stDecember 2015). If we restrict the comparison to countries with more than one million inhabitants, the 2016 rate is 225 per 100,000, which is 3.9% higher than in 2015 (when the rate was 216.4 per 100,000 inhabitants) - Non-custodial sanctions and measures are seldom used as an alternative to pre-trial detention: Roughly, only 9.8% of the probation population corresponds to persons placed under supervision before trial. - On average, on 31st December 2016, female probation clients represented 12.9% of the total probation population. The proportion of minors and foreigners was 3.9% and 16.8% respectively. - On average, there are 5.8 probation staff members per 100,000 inhabitants, with great individual variation among the responding countries. - On average, each probation staff member across Europe is in charge of 4.9 pre-sentence reports. - In 20 countries, probation is used for all kind of criminal offenses. - The average length of probation for persons sentenced for violence against persons and robbery are 17.3 months and 17.5 months respectively. - The longer length of probation is, on average, 21.6 months, and corresponds to persons sentenced for sexual offenses. Details: Strasbourg: Council of Europe, 2017. 99p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed April 10, 2018 at: http://wp.unil.ch/space/files/2018/03/SPACE_II_report_2016_Final_100320.pdf Year: 2017 Country: Europe URL: http://wp.unil.ch/space/files/2018/03/SPACE_II_report_2016_Final_100320.pdf Shelf Number: 149752 Keywords: Alternatives to IncarcerationCommunity Based CorrectionsCommunity SanctionsCommunity ServiceProbation |