NCJ Number
208069
Journal
Federal Probation Volume: 68 Issue: 2 Dated: September 2004 Pages: 36-39
Date Published
September 2004
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article describes the design and implementation of the Federal reentry program for offenders as well as the development and execution of an outcome, assessment, and feedback project for the reentry program.
Abstract
Current Federal offenders on community supervision are more likely than in the past to have been in prison, have more serious criminal records, and to have used drugs, thus making them a higher risk to require more services than previous Federal offenders. In an effort to address the needs of this population, the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts (AOUSC) developed a new supervision policy in March 2003. Monograph 109, entitled "The Supervision of Federal Offenders," under its most recent revision, promotes a supervision planning process by a probation officer, his/her supervisor, and a treatment specialist. The plan is based on an accurate assessment of the risks, risk-related needs, and strengths of the individual offender. Following the initial risk assessment with the Risk Prediction Index, the officer continues to reassess the offender's needs throughout the supervision period, particularly needs related to violent behavior, criminal patterns, drug abuse, mental health, physical health, family issues, and third-party risk. The supervision planning process begins no more than 120 days and no fewer than 30 days prior to the offender's release from prison. A new computer software, which is scheduled for release shortly, automates the case planning process, reducing officers' administrative burden in implementing the new planning and supervision policies. The first step in evaluating the implementation of the new reentry program has already been achieved, i.e., the creation of a workgroup that is developing a statement of work to obtain contract assistance in designing the outcome system. 5 notes