NCJ Number
195719
Date Published
2002
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This report summarizes an implementation evaluation of domestic violence probation programs in Illinois' Lake, Winnebago, and Kankakee counties.
Abstract
In June 1999, the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority launched a plan that used Federal Anti-Drug Abuse Act funds to establish and enhance domestic violence probation programs in the State. The programs in Lake, Winnebago, and Kankakee counties were part of this effort. These three jurisdictions based their programs on a philosophy of ensuring victim safety as a top priority. Program implementation focused on a coordinated community response to domestic violence that included sanctions, supervision, and treatment for the offender. In Lake County, the groundwork for the specialized domestic violence probation program included a domestic violence court and a pre-existing domestic violence probation program, which was enhanced by creating a surveillance unit. In Kankakee and Winnebago counties, the grants were used to provide specialized probation services in existing domestic violence courts. The independent evaluation of the implementation of the programs began in 1999. In a succession of site visits and interviews, investigators collected data that pertained to the general manner in which each county approached the issue of domestic violence, as well as how the program impacted the process of managing domestic violence cases. The evaluation found that the appropriate population of offenders was being reached in each program; however, probation departments expressed the need for more State-certified treatment providers for domestic violence probationers. Evaluators also found the programs were well-implemented and apparently had the appropriate structure, involvement, and staff support to continue to reduce domestic violence in their communities. Evaluators recommended using more specific data collection instruments and developing a tracking system to determine outcomes in each county. Victim involvement in case management was found to be the most difficult aspect of program implementation in all three programs. Many victims viewed probation as offender-oriented and of little relevance to their own situations. 1 table