NCJ Number
101348
Date Published
1982
Length
254 pages
Annotation
A review and analysis was conducted of the North American literature on probation, published within the past decade, to examine (1) conceptual distinctions of probation between 1971-1981, (2) probation effectiveness, and (3) recent trends in practice.
Abstract
Over 300 publications from Canada and the United States were examined. Changes in probation over time are considered in terms of the concepts of reform, rehabilitation, reintegration, and accountability. Traditional juridical, treatment-pathology, and combined concepts of probation also are analyzed; casework, punishment, leniency, and administrative dimensions of probation are considered. Research on probation effectiveness then is examined, and implications of the 'nothing works' findings are discussed. Approaches to case management are discussed including manipulation of caseload sizes, intensive supervision, and offender risk and need assessments in programming. Changing patterns in resource utilization covered include greater involvement of community resources and the use of volunteers and paraprofessionals. Innovations in probation also are reviewed, such as restitution programs, the use of incarceration with probation, and specialized programs (e.g., drug abuse, multiple and specific needs), polygraph, Outward Bound, and community residential treatment programs. Policy recommendations, based on this review, are presented for consideration by the Saskatchewan Corrections Division. Chapter notes and approximately 277 references.