NCJ Number
80409
Date Published
1981
Length
52 pages
Annotation
This report examines Singapore's Community Probation Service -- a program using volunteers as probation officers -- and was based on observations and research conducted during a 3-month student internship.
Abstract
The Community Probation Service was introduced in 1971 to publicize the work of the probation department, increase community involvement in offenders' rehabilitation, and enhance the government's probation efforts. An overview of the volunteer system describes the responsibilities of volunteer probation officers, recruitment methods, selection procedures, training, supervision, and evaluation. Volunteers serve as friends and counselors to offenders on probation, are given a 12-session training course, and are closely supervised by professional staff. The program's administration and evaluation methods are summarized. A recent survey of volunteers showed a positive commitment to the probation service, but also indicated a need for a systematic inservice training program. The report examines services delivered by volunteers, such as job placement, public information, recreational activities, organizing community service projects for probationers, and manning neighborhood probation reporting centers. Agency and community support for the volunteer system is reviewed. The discussion of the program's advantages notes that it can be viewed as a response to the Singapore government's policy encouraging public contributions to general social welfare. Problems encountered in defining the volunteer's role, selecting volunteers, and evaluating participants are explored. The appendixes contain forms used for volunteer applications, screening interviews, and evaluations.