NCJ Number
240581
Journal
Federal Probation Volume: 76 Issue: 2 Dated: September 2012 Pages: 41-48
Date Published
September 2012
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This article examines the operations and impact of specialized probation services for probationers with mental illnesses (PROMI).
Abstract
PROMI is a term reserved for probationers who suffer from severe, debilitating, and chronic psychiatric disorders. In discussing the management of PROMI in community supervision, this article is divided into four sections. The first section discusses differences between PROMI and standard probationers; and it describes a classic typology of the supervisory styles of probation officers in monitoring PROMI. Klockars' framework of styles suggests two key features of probation officers' approach to monitoring that can be important in the supervision of PROMI. One feature is the integration of dual roles, allowing officers to achieve both surveillance and therapeutic goals. A second feature is the cultivation of positive relationships between officers and probationers in order to maximize the potential for rehabilitation and successful probation outcomes. The second section outlines the key components of specialized probation for PROMI, as well as the importance of positive officer-client relationships in achieving successful probation outcomes. The key components of specialized probation for PROMI are exclusive caseloads, reduced caseloads, officer training, resource integration, and compliance management. The third section presents the results of studies of the effectiveness of specialized probation programs for PROMI. Although the data from these studies are limited by flawed methodologies, such programs provide useful strategies for monitoring PROMI. The fourth section suggests directions for future research and practices pertinent to specialized programming for PROMI. One recommendation is that research should advance knowledge regarding the implementation of specialized probation programs for PROMI by examining the case selection process, core program components, program fidelity, and penetration effects. 1 table and 43 references