NCJ Number
129636
Journal
Journal of Offender Monitoring Volume: 3 Issue: 4 Dated: (Fall 1990) Pages: 1-6
Date Published
1990
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This study examines whether or not mental health status is a better predictor of successful completion of electronically monitored community supervision than are the formal indicators currently used.
Abstract
Indicators typically used to predict successful completion of electronically monitored supervision are previous violent behavior, substance abuse, prior conviction, employment, and self-reported quality of family relationships. To determine whether psychological health is a good predictor of successful completion of electronically monitored supervision, data were collected on 93 probation and parole offenders placed on electronic surveillance. Data were obtained through a psychological assessment of dysphoria, a measure of the quality of the family environment, a cursory criminal history, and sociodemographic information. The findings indicate that mental health measures are at least as closely related to successful completion of electronic monitoring as the criteria currently used in selecting such offenders. The report advises that psychological assessment of clients' mental state should play a larger role in the selection of clients. 10 references