NCJ Number
1934
Date Published
1971
Length
90 pages
Annotation
THE CALIFORNIA PROBATION SUBSIDY PROGRAM BEGUN IN 1966 ENCOURAGES COUNTY PROBATION DEPARTMENTS TO REDUCE THEIR RATE OF COMMITMENTS TO STATE CORRECTIONAL AGENCIES.
Abstract
IN RETURN, THE COUNTY RECEIVES A FINANCIAL REWARD THAT IS COMMENSURATE WITH THE DEGREE OF REDUCTION. THE PROGRAM HAS ENABLED PROBATION DEPARTMENTS TO PROVIDE BETTER AND MORE EFFICIENT SERVICES. NEW DOLLARS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR STAFF TRAINING AND DEVELOPING NEEDED SKILLS. PERHAPS THE SINGLE MOST BENEFICIAL EFFECT HAS BEEN THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A HIGHER STANDARD OF PERFORMANCE, INCLUDING THE ABILITY TO PERFORM CRITICAL SELF-EVALUATION. AS A RESULT OF REDUCED COMMITMENTS, SOME INSTITUTIONS HAVE BEEN CLOSED, ARE CURRENTLY BEING PHASED OUT, AND TWO NEW INSTITUTIONS HAVE REMAINED UNOPENED. THE TAXPAYER BENEFITS, SINCE IT COSTS HIM LESS TO TREAT AN OFFENDER IN THE COMMUNITY THAN TO INCARCERATE HIM. BIBLIOGRAPHY.