NCJ Number
157612
Journal
Perspectives Volume: 19 Issue: 2 Dated: (Spring 1995) Pages: 6-12
Date Published
1995
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article describes a visioning initiative sponsored by the American Probation and Parole Association (APPA); steps in the visioning process, which is designed to specify goals for community corrections; and the outcome of the visioning process.
Abstract
Seventeen State, regional, and local jurisdictions, as well as several hundred attendees at APPA's Annual Institutes participated in a visioning process over the last 20 months to develop the agency's vision for community corrections. Through the use of exercises and group discussion, an interactive training program guided participants through the following topics: the nature of vision development, mapping the environment, visioning what community corrections should be, and implementing strategies. Discussion points that drove the vision's development were a full range of sanctions and services, primary prevention initiatives, the empowerment of communities, the measurement of results, dignity and respect for those involved in the corrections enterprise, the empowerment of staff, and partnerships with stakeholders. The project also identified current trends to support as commensurate with the vision developed. These trends include the responsible use of technology, an increased interest in the restoration of offenders, increasing community partnerships, an increase in the awareness of diversity, an increased awareness of the role of prevention, an increased concern for staff safety, and an increase in the role of politics in community corrections. Strategies for implementing the vision are also discussed.