NCJ Number
223130
Journal
Journal of Offender Rehabilitation Volume: 46 Issue: 3/4 Dated: 2008 Pages: 1-11
Date Published
2008
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This article describes the features of an emerging paradigm for probation and parole in the United States.
Abstract
Whereas recidivism has been the primary outcome measure for probation success, the American Probation and Parole Association is arguing for a new paradigm of success that encompasses the amount of restitution collected, the number of offenders employed, amounts of fines and fees collected, the number of hours of community service performed, the number of treatment sessions attended, percentages of financial obligations collected, rate of enrollment in school, number of days of employment, education attainment, and number of days drug free. The author of this article gives priority to Joan Petersilia's suggestions for building credible and effective probation programs. Her suggestions are to implement high-quality programs and enforce them; invest in adequate resources for treatment and surveillance; demonstrate that probation is tough on crime; target drug offenders; and make probation research a priority. In addition, the article recommends that State legislators enact evidence-based criminal justice policies that will expand the use of drug treatment as a sentencing option; expand options for reducing probation and parole revocations; reconsider policies on time served in prison; repeal mandatory minimum sentencing; reconsider life and long-term sentences; and review State sentencing and corrections policies. The emerging paradigm's role for the judiciary is collaboration with community agencies/organizations in delivering sentences that not only consider public safety but also hold offenders accountable to their victims in accordance with restorative-justice principles. Regarding the parole paradigm, Jeremy Travis, a national leader on offender reentry, advocates a redefinition of the purposes of parole revocations, so that the criminal justice system can focus on rehabilitation and the effective reintegration of parolees back into the community. 13 references