NCJ Number
86012
Journal
Canadian Journal of Criminology Volume: 24 Issue: 4 Dated: (October 1982) Pages: 453-462
Date Published
1982
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This report considers the development of a psychological service unit in probation and parole in Ottawa, Canada, as well as issues, problems, and prospects of psychological services in probation and parole.
Abstract
Practical difficulties in implementing the advocate-broker model in parole and probation offices include the accessibility of agency information, the acceptability of clients for community agencies, the liaison between probation and parole and community agencies regarding assessment and feedback, and thrusting the officer into a clinical role. In an attempt to remedy these problems and enhance the effectiveness of probation and parole services in community corrections, psychological services have been implemented directly in probation and parole offices. The psychologist's role has included consultation with probation officers on recommendations related to effective supervision; meeting the needs for and conducting direct psychological assessment of clients; and, in some cases, providing short-term psychological treatment. While this innovation has been effective in many ways, issues and problems have included (1) the scientist-consultant role in conflict with providing direct service delivery, (2) determining whether to provide services inhouse or in the community services agencies, (3) the role of the psychologist as complementary to the probation and parole officer, (4) ethical concerns, and (5) enhancing community psychology as a professional role. Eighteen references are listed.