NCJ Number
157028
Journal
Evaluation and Program Planning Volume: 17 Issue: 2 Dated: (April-June 1994) Pages: 179-186
Date Published
1994
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This article presents the partial results of an evaluation of an alternative sentencing program adopted in Indiana. The authors discuss the differing perceptions that different stakeholders had of the policy.
Abstract
The authors evaluated a Client Specific Planning Program which was intended to develop a more effective and efficient sentence for defendants believed to be prison bound. A case developer conducts a thorough background investigation and explores a variety of community-based sanctions and programs tailored to a specific defendant. The findings indicate considerable disagreement over the perceived effectiveness of the program. Assessing the program on the basis of responses of key stakeholders leads to the conclusion that it depends on whom you ask. The authors believe that this is not an isolated finding, but is likely to be inherent in any program with the potential for system change in an environment characterized by multiple and conflicting goals, micro- and macro-level conflicts, and multiple stakeholders. Further, the implications of these findings are important not only for program evaluation but also for program implementation, system change, and theory. The authors find that there was the least difference of opinion among the criminal justice professionals on questions that asked whether the reform should be developed for less serious offenders. They conclude that any alternative sentencing efforts, such as the one they evaluated, are likely to obtain support by focusing on less serious offenders, thus leading to net-widening. Tables, references