This is the first thorough systematic scan of the U.S. to determine the extent to which these [risk assessment] tools have been adopted across the country (p. 1). Sections of this report address" statewide uniform assessment; layered/regional assessment; locally administered assessment; and design variation in assessment tools.
Probation is a form of criminal sentence that allows an offender to remain in the community under supervision instead of serving time in jail or prison. It is typically granted to individuals convicted of less serious offenses or those deemed low risk, providing them with an opportunity for rehabilitation while maintaining public safety.
A key component of probation is supervision by a probation officer (PO), who monitors the individual’s behavior, compliance with court-ordered conditions, and overall progress. These conditions may include regular check-ins, curfews, employment or education requirements, drug testing, counseling, and restrictions on travel or associations. Failure to comply with these terms can result in stricter penalties, such as revocation of probation and incarceration.
Probation serves as an alternative to incarceration, reducing prison overcrowding while allowing individuals to maintain employment, family connections, and community support. It is often part of a broader effort to encourage rehabilitation and reduce recidivism. Specialized probation programs, such as drug courts, mental health courts, and juvenile probation, offer targeted support based on an individual’s needs.
When effectively implemented, probation provides a structured path for offenders to demonstrate positive change while minimizing the societal and financial costs of incarceration.
- The focus of this literature review is on formal probation and services provided to juveniles on post-adjudication probation, or probation as a disposition.
In 2014, Abt Associates began work on a grant from the National Institute of Justice to evaluate the effectiveness of home and field contacts in community supervision.
Four studies of medium and high research quality have examined the use of sanctions grids by parole and probation departments; however, only two examined the effect on recidivism.
Community supervision agencies commonly use resource allocation models to identify the amount of monitoring and treatment to provide individuals under supervision.
Abstract: The use of drug testing is pervasive in community supervision requiring probationers to regularly submit to urine drug testing.
As a probation professional, you are well aware of the important role that probation plays in the US criminal justice system. Officers are responsible for ensuring that individuals on probation comply with the conditions of their sentence, including regular meetings, participating in rehabilitation programs, and staying out of further legal trouble.
This page is designed to provide you with the resources you need to succeed in your work. We offer a variety of streaming videos, publications, and resource links to help probation officers stay informed about the best practices and research in the field. Whether you're looking for information on risk assessment, supervision strategies, or program evaluation, we have the resources you need to help your clients succeed. Our goal is to provide you with the tools and knowledge to help you achieve your goals as probation professional and support your clients in the best way possible.