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Improving Responses to People with Mental Illnesses: The Essential Elements of Specialized Probation Initiatives

“This report articulates 10 essential elements for all probation interventions that involve people with mental illnesses, regardless of the particular program model” (p. vii). The essential elements are: collaborative planning and administration; defining, identifying, and assessing a target population; designing the initiative and matching individuals to supervision and treatment options; setting conditions of community supervision; developing an individualized case plan; providing or linking to treatment and services; supporting adherence to conditions of community supervision and case plans; providing specialized training and cross-training; sharing information and maintaining confidentiality; and conducting evaluations and ensuring sustainability.