NCJ Number
158141
Journal
Forum on Corrections Research Volume: 7 Issue: 3 Dated: September 1995 Pages: 42-44
Date Published
September 1995
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article describes the concept of intensive community supervision as implemented by the Team Supervision Unit in Toronto.
Abstract
The Team Supervision Unit serves offenders who have been released on statutory release after serving two-thirds of their sentence, who have scored negatively on the Statistical Information on Recidivism Scale, and who need more focused help with their efforts to reintegrate into the community. The Unit also works with offenders released on "one-chance" conditional release, offenders at high risk of recidivism because of other factors, and untreated sex offenders. Prior to release, the offender receives documentation outlining expectations of the intensive supervision, and participates in a detailed orientation session. The parole officers refer offenders to appropriate medical, mental health, social service, and housing agencies, and work with offenders to design a correctional plan to address the needs identified in their initial assessment. The key to successful intensive supervision programs is clear communication between parole officers and offenders regarding the need to manage offenders' risk of reoffending and to assist them in becoming law-abiding citizens.