NCJ Number
197604
Journal
The Justice System Journal Volume: 23 Issue: 2 Dated: 2002 Pages: 135-156
Editor(s)
Susette Talarico
Date Published
2002
Length
22 pages
Annotation
This article describes and analyzes the implementation of day reporting as a new intermediate sanction in North Carolina.
Abstract
Since the mid-1980's the number of day reporting centers in the United States has grown from a handful of programs in a few States to 114 programs in 22 States. The North Carolina State-County Criminal Justice Partnership Act created a State-funded grant program to foster the development of supplemental community-based corrections programs in the State’s 100 counties. The statute’s intent is to reduce offender recidivism and lower criminal justice system costs. The purpose of this article is to examine the implementation of day reporting as a new intermediate sanction in North Carolina. The analysis focuses on the implementation experiences of two day reporting centers in Davidson and Guilford counties. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the two centers, a multi-method approach to data collection was employed including a review of existing records, interviews with DRC staff and service providers, direct observation of operations and service delivery, and a telephone survey. The analysis of the program implementation is undertaken in five parts: (1) modifications to original program design; (2) scope of implementation; (3) extent of implementation; (4) stakeholder survey; and (5) success and termination from the program. Policymakers considering the adoption of day reporting can learn several lessons from the implementations experiences of the first centers in North Carolina that include: (1) implementation is an ongoing process; (2) low initial participation; (3) finding the balance; and (4) measuring progress toward goals and objectives. References