Community Corrections Chapter 9

Flashcards about community corrections and the roles and responsibilities of probation officers.

What is probation?

A correctional service allowing an offender to remain in the community under supervision by an officer of the court.

What does the probation process include?

The intake phase of the juvenile court’s proceedings, preparation of the social investigation for the disposition stage, supervision of probationers, and obtaining or providing services for youths on probation.

Why is probation considered a desirable alternative to institutionalization?

It allows offenders to retain their liberty but provides society with some protection against continued disregard for the law. It promotes the rehabilitation of offenders because they can maintain normal community contacts by living at home, attending school, and participating in community activities. It avoids the negative impact of institutional confinement, and furthermore, it costs less than incarceration.

How is probation administered?

Locally Administered, State- or Executive-Administered and Combination approach.

What are the arguments for local administration of probation?

Citizens and agencies in the community more readily support programs that are open to their participation and are responsive to local needs and problems. Small operations are more flexible, adjust more quickly to change, and are less encumbered by bureaucratic rigidity.

Which state transferred case management functions to private contractors in 2011?

Nebraska.

Which state offers to reimburse up to 50 percent of the operating costs to local communities willing to meet state standards?

New York.

Which state assigns state paid probation officers to work with local probation officers?

Michigan.

Which state initiated a probation subsidy program after a study indicated that many offenders committed to state correction institutions could safely remain in the community under good supervision?

California.

What are the four basic functions of juvenile probation?

Intake, management of caseloads, supervision and investigation, and reports to the court.

What are the duties and responsibilities of a probation officer?

Casework management, supervision, investigation and Maintains a file for each probationer

Name some of the general duties of probation officers:

Direct counseling and casework services, Interview and collect social service data and Make diagnostic recommendations

What creates role conflict for the probation officer?

The nearly opposite roles of law enforcement and treatment create problems for the probation officer.

What are the rights of probationers?

The juvenile has the right to a hearing, the right to five-day notification of the probation revocation hearing, the right to be represented by an attorney, the right to confrontation, and the right to see the reports citing his or her violations.

What programs engage in risk control and crime reduction?

Restitution, intensive supervision, house arrest and electronic monitoring

What three broad types of restitution obligation can be ordered by the juvenile court?

Straight financial restitution, community service, and direct service to victims.

What are the goals of electronic monitoring programs?

To increase the number of juveniles safely released into existing home confinement programs. To reduce the number of juveniles returned to juvenile detention for violating home confinement restrictions. To reduce the number of field contacts required of home confinement officers.

What are the two types of community/residential treatment programs?

Day treatment programs and group homes

Why are day treatment programs popular?

These court-mandated programs are popular because they are more economical than residential placements, do not need to provide living and sleeping quarters, make parental participation easier, require fewer staff members, and are less coercive and punishment oriented.

What purposes do group homes fill in juvenile corrections?

They provide an alternative to institutionalization. Dependent, neglected, and other noncriminal youths, especially, are referred to them. Second, group homes may be used as short-term residences.