NCJ Number
96003
Date Published
1984
Length
11 pages
Annotation
Probation and parole provides opportunity for casework intervention, but supervising aboriginal clients presents special problems uncommon in European communities.
Abstract
Using examples and one case study, the discussion suggests an approach for supervising clients in remote aboriginal communities. Problems that arise include the limited amount of time officers can spend in a remote community, conflicts between officers' efforts to meet the expectations of other criminal justice institutions while trying to promote community involvement in supervision, conflict between probation and parole practices and traditional aboriginal law, and criminal justice institutions not being a part of aboriginal culture. These problems should not mean the abandonment of probation and parole for Aborigines in remote communities, however. Rather, innovations should be adopted to increase the relevance and significance of the supervision provided. Community and family responsibility should play a major role in the supervision process. This can be accomplished in several ways: formalized training of a field officer from each major community, provision of funds to community councils for the employment of a field officer, and promotion of the collection of current anthropological works to educate field officers. A five-item bibliography is provided.