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Date: April 30, 2024 Tue
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Results for parole caseload
4 results foundAuthor: Braithwaite, Helen Title: Parole Agent Workload Study Summary: This workload study was completed under a research contract between the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) and the Center for Evidence-Based Corrections (CEBC) at the University of California, Irvine (UCI). CDCR's Office of Research and the Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO) collaborated with UCI research staff to design the study, develop data capture instruments that were then pilot tested in the field, identify parole agents to participate in the study, and provide agent training. DAPO was responsible for coordinating the study with parole administrators, unit supervisors and agents in the field. UCI collaborated on instrument development, collected and analyzed data, and provided reports to CDCR and DAPO. The need for a workload study was identified during DAPO training on gender-responsivity (GR). During several two-day training sessions, parole agents expressed concern over the amount of time involved in the supervision of female offenders. Agents reported that, as a consequence of female offenders being more relational and having a broader range of criminogenic needs than males, females took more time. Agents perceived that face-to-face contacts with female parolees were longer, and that additional time was spent on activities such as speaking with females on the telephone and liaising with programs. Under the California Parole Supervision and Reintegration Model (CPSRM), parole caseloads in California are funded at a ratio of 53:1. Due to the perceived additional workload involved in supervising female parolees, some agents attending training were concerned that the introduction of female-only, GR caseloads would be too much work unless the number of females on a GR caseload was lower than 53 parolees. Sixteen GR female-only caseloads (operating at a 53:1 ratio) had been implemented in California at the time of this study. Certain specialized caseloads with reduced caseload sizes are employed in California for Enhanced Outpatient Program (EOP) offenders with mental health issues and non-high risk sex offenders (operating at 40:1), in addition to Global Positioning System (GPS) specialized caseloads for gang members and high risk sex offenders (operating at approximately 20:1). Other states have implemented smaller, specialized caseloads for offenders with drug and alcohol problems, mentally ill offenders, domestic violence offenders, and female offenders. Research has shown that these specialized caseloads may result in recidivism reductions (Jalbert & Rhodes, 2012; Jalbert , et al., 2011; Klein, Wilson, Crowe & DeMichele, 2005; Gies, et al., 2012; Wolff, et al., 2014). The purpose of the workload study was to collect data to examine whether female parolees are more work or different work than male parolees. That is, do contacts with females take longer or are they different in nature than contacts with males? For this study, agents reported their daily contacts and the time they allocated to various work activities using a Daily Activity Log instrument over a five week data capture period. Agents supervising the sixteen GR caseloads comprised the experimental group (GR group). Approximately 30 agents supervising regular mixed-gender CPSRM caseloads were selected by DAPO to comprise a control group, used for comparison purposes. Workload that is too high leads to job stress and burnout. Burnout has been linked to decreased work performance, withdrawal from others, substance abuse, employee health problems, an increase in absenteeism, and employee turnover (Griffin, Hogan, & Lambert, 2012; Lambert & Paoline, 2008; Whitehead & Lindquist, 1986). Agent burnout is thus costly to both employees, DAPO, and potentially has public safety impacts for society. This study measured the level of agent burnout, job stress, job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and perceived workload using an agent survey. The study concludes that female parolees are both more work and different work than male parolees. Female contacts are longer overall, certain tasks are performed more often with female parolees, and certain tasks were shown to take longer with female than male parolees. Other jurisdictions in the United States have adopted a specialized caseloads approach to female offenders by reducing caseload sizes; the findings of this study support such an approach. Details: Irvine: Center for Evidence-Based Corrections University of California, Irvine, 2016. 111p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed September 29, 2017 at: http://ucicorrections.seweb.uci.edu/files/2017/04/Parole-Agent-Workload-Study.pdf Year: 2016 Country: United States URL: http://ucicorrections.seweb.uci.edu/files/2017/04/Parole-Agent-Workload-Study.pdf Shelf Number: 147508 Keywords: Community SupervisionParole CaseloadParole OfficersParolees |
Author: National Council on Crime and Delinquency (NCCD) Title: Agent Workload Study Findings Summary: The nature of parole services is changing as a result of new legislation and the implementation of evidence-based practices. As changes occur in staff caseloads as well as in parole practices, it is essential to make sure staffing levels are appropriate to maintain strong performance and achieve the mission of protecting public safety. In response to these changes, the South Dakota Department of Corrections (SDDOC) contracted with the National Council on Crime and Delinquency (NCCD) to conduct a workload study of parole agents in the spring of 2015. The primary objective of this workload study is to determine the number of parole agents needed to supervise offenders in a manner that meets agency standards. NCCD uses a prescriptive, case-based methodology for conducting correctional workload studies. This approach estimates the time needed by parole agents to not only manage their cases, but to do so in a way that meets state standards and expectations. Workload demand is calculated using time estimates from only those cases that met standards. Additionally, the study measures how much time agents realistically have available for their caseloads after making deductions for non-case-based activities. Together, these results are used to estimate the staff resources needed for SDDOC to effectively carry out its mission. All 39 agents in the state participated in the study. The agents tracked time for a sampled portion of their caseload over a two-month period. A two-tiered approach was used to determine which cases met standards. First, supervisors reviewed forms and indicated whether the case met standards. Researchers at NCCD then used compiled data to count the number of contacts and determine whether quantitative contact standards were met. A case had to pass both reviews in order to be included in the calculation of workload values. Agents also tracked time spent on case support and administrative activities in order to help determine the average time spent per month on activities that detract from time they have available for their caseloads. The results of the study indicate that agents have, on average, 111.6 hours available per month to supervise offenders on their caseload. In order to determine the available agent time per month, NCCD deducted estimates of the average number of hours that agents spend on other work activities from the total number of full-time equivalent (FTE) hours per month. These deductions include 22.1 hours of case support and administrative tasks (which were measured during the study), 31.8 hours of leave time, and 7.8 hours of mandatory training. Based on the monthly workload values and the average monthly case counts, NCCD calculated the total monthly workload demand for each type of parole case. The monthly workload demand reflects the number of cases multiplied by the average number of hours required per case. At the time of the workload study, SDDOC did not have specific standards outlined for offenders in the community transition program (CTP). Since then, new standards have been developed for these cases that are similar to the number of contacts required for cases at the intensive-supervision level (i.e., weekly contacts). In order to account for these new standards NCCD applied the workload value for intensive supervision cases to the CTP cases. Results show that an estimated 4,286.8 hours are needed each month to complete all of SDDOC's Parole Services casework according to standards. When divided by the amount of agent time available (111.6 hours per month), this corresponds to an estimated 38.4 full-time agents needed to meet workload demand in the state of South Dakota (Table ES). Currently, the state is allocated 39 parole agents. Using the workload values that reflect current policy standards, SDDOC is sufficiently staffed with parole agents, assuming vacant positions are filled. However, the evolving practice improvement efforts engaged in by SDDOC are likely to increase workload expectations, and therefore also increase the number of workload hours per month necessary to complete all casework according to standards. NCCD recommends that SDDOC reassess staffing needs on a regular basis, particularly as changes in policy impact the parole population. Measuring workload and ensuring the agency has adequate staffing to meet standards for all cases is the first step toward improving outcomes. In addition to addressing staffing and workload demand, agencies can take a number of actions to meet their mission to protect public safety. Strong implementation of evidence-based practices (EBPs), which promote the success of parolees living in the community and reduce their risk of recidivism, has great potential to make a positive impact. Details: Aberdeen, SD: South Dakota Department of Corrections, Parole Services, 2016. 81p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed September 30, 2017 at: https://doc.sd.gov/documents/ParoleAgentWorkloadStudyReport.pdf Year: 2016 Country: United States URL: https://doc.sd.gov/documents/ParoleAgentWorkloadStudyReport.pdf Shelf Number: 147511 Keywords: Community SupervisionParoleParole CaseloadParole OfficersParolees |
Author: Cotten, P. Ann Title: Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services: Parole and Probation Agent Workload Study. Final Report Summary: The Maryland General Assembly required the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) to conduct a workload study of the department's parole and probation agents. The Office of Community Supervision Support (CSS), in turn, contracted with the Schaefer Center for Public Policy at the University of Baltimore's College of Public Affairs (Schaefer Center) to conduct a study that included a review of the literature relating to parole and probation agent staffing, an analysis of agents' workload including a time study of agents, an analysis of the supervision caseload, and the collection of comparative caseload data from other states. From the research, the Schaefer Center team was charged with producing staffing recommendations, average caseload counts, and recommendations for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of parole and probation supervision. The primary focus of the research is agents who directly supervise offenders on parole and probation. As part of the research, the team also produced an analysis of how Court Liaison Unit (CLU) agents, Liaison Waiver (LAW) agents, and Warrant Apprehension Unit (WAU) officers spend their work time, and solicited input into recommendations for improving the effectiveness of their work. To fulfill its charge, the research team employed a mix of quantitative and qualitative strategies listed below. A comprehensive literature review of all known English language articles on community supervision and staffing. A four-week time study with 114 parole/probation agents and Warrant Apprehension Officers. Participants recorded 25,743 hours of work activity. Time observations were reported for work relating to 6,388 offenders. A caseload analysis that included all offenders under supervision on September 29, 2014. A review of agent case notes for a 12-month period for 215 randomly selected offenders. Fifteen focus groups with 137 participants including: 71 supervising agents, 42 supervisors, 5 agents and 1 supervisor from the Court Liaison Unit, 9 agents and 1 supervisor from the Liaison Waiver Unit, and 9 Warrant Apprehension Officers. A national survey of state parole and probation agencies. Details: Baltimore, MD: Schaefer Center for Public Policy University of Baltimore – College of Public Affairs, 2015. 149p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed October 3, 2017 at: http://dlslibrary.state.md.us/publications/JCR/2014/2014_116(v3).pdf Year: 2015 Country: United States URL: http://dlslibrary.state.md.us/publications/JCR/2014/2014_116(v3).pdf Shelf Number: 147534 Keywords: Community SupervisionOffender SupervisionParole CaseloadParole OfficersParoleesProbation CaseloadProbation OfficersProbationers |
Author: Cotten, P. Ann Title: Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services: Parole and Probation Agent Workload Study Report on Agent and Officer Focus Groups Summary: The Maryland General Assembly required the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) to conduct a workload study of the department's parole and probation agents. The Office of Community Supervision Support (CSS), in turn, contracted with the Schaefer Center for Public Policy at the University of Baltimore's College of Public Affairs (Schaefer Center) to conduct a study that included a review of the literature relating to parole and probation agent staffing, an analysis of agents' workload including a time study of agents, an analysis of the supervision caseload, and the collection of comparative caseload data from other states. From the research, the Schaefer Center team was charged with producing staffing recommendations, average caseload counts, and recommendations for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of parole and probation supervision. The primary focus of the research is agents who directly supervise offenders on parole and probation. As part of the research, the team also produced an analysis of how Court Liaison Unit (CLU) agents, Liaison Waiver (LAW) agents, and Warrant Apprehension Unit (WAU) officers spend their work time, and solicited input into recommendations for improving the effectiveness of their work. To fulfill its charge, the research team employed a mix of quantitative and qualitative strategies listed below. A comprehensive literature review of all known English language articles on community supervision and staffing. A four-week time study with 114 parole/probation agents and Warrant Apprehension Officers. Participants recorded 25,743 hours of work activity. Time observations were reported for work relating to 6,388 offenders. A caseload analysis that included all offenders under supervision on September 29, 2014. A review of agent case notes for a 12-month period for 215 randomly selected offenders. A national survey of state parole and probation agencies. To gain a good understanding about the work of the agents and variation in the work across regions, the research team conducted fifteen focus groups with 137 participants including: 71 supervising agents, 42 supervisors, 5 agents and 1 supervisor from the Court Liaison Unit, 9 agents and 1 supervisor from the Liaison Waiver Unit, and 9 Warrant Apprehension Officers. The findings from the focus groups are presented in this supplemental report Details: Baltimore, MD: Schaefer Center for Public Policy University of Baltimore - College of Public Affairs, 2015. 53p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed October 4, 2017 at: http://dlslibrary.state.md.us/publications/JCR/2014/2014_116(v2).pdf Year: 2015 Country: United States URL: http://dlslibrary.state.md.us/publications/JCR/2014/2014_116(v2).pdf Shelf Number: 147555 Keywords: Parole CaseloadParole OfficersProbation CaseloadProbation Officers |