Sorting Through the Evidence: A Step Toward Prioritization of Evidence-Based Community Supervision Practices

Abstract

Studies of implementation of evidence-based supervision policies and procedures often report minimal to moderate adherence to evidence-based models. The few studies that exist examine the degree to which characteristics of probation officers, individuals on supervision, and supervision processes have an impact on rearrest (outcomes). Using administrative data on 7,326 probationers and surveys from 161 probation officers employed by five agencies, hierarchical linear models were used to identify the features of supervision processes that are most important to reduce recidivism. The findings clarify that no one evidence-based supervision feature (i.e., a validated risk and need assessment tool, case planning, treatment, compliance management, etc.) can achieve recidivism reductions. The best results can be achieved by using all features, although a risk-based case management approach that prioritizes employment and/or reducing the criminogenic needs creates similar outcomes. This article discusses the implications of prioritizing which supervision processes are used to impact positive supervision outcomes.

Effective Probation Strategies to Respond to Signals of Poor Progress on Community Supervision

“…As Chadwick et al (2015) note, officers that are trained in cognitive behavioral techniques are more likely to reduce recidivism. Furthermore, focusing on short-term progress of needs (Blasko et al, 2021) is an effective practice, which is why officers should take the time to use the Carey Guides worksheets. In this study, we learned that 56% of the officers used some type of worksheets, and it appears that greater use of these worksheets would enhance positive outcomes because supervision contacts are structured around worksheet materials.…”

“…Negative outcomes in the first 6 months can be effectively addressed by officers using cognitive behavioral techniques, using skill-building supervision tools, using treatment-oriented graduated responses and incentives, and addressing social determinants of health (housing and transportation) and the need for substance abuse treatment. Furthermore, an emphasis on short-term progress as depicted by Blasko et al (2021) appears to foster the efforts to enhance early outcomes. The signals for improving outcomes should be in terms of accountability of officers to use the tools, such as journals, worksheets, graduate responses and incentives, and attention to stability in the community.…”

“…Furthermore, treatment-oriented responses for noncompliance, particularly for individuals with substance use disorders, improve outcomes (Boman et al, 2019). In general, reduced caseload sizes may facilitate a better working relationship between the officer and the person on supervision that has been shown to be effective in reducing recidivism (Blasko et al, 2021).…”

“…When the predictor is binary, then the beta is with respect to the null (0) category. The selection of the variables for the model are based on: (1) the research team partnered with North Carolina Department of Public Safety who were interested in how demographics, specific need areas, and supervision tools impacted short-term progress and (2) Blasko et al (2021) found that a variety of said factors are important to the success of clients on supervision and we desired to validate this finding. This study aligned with North Carolina's desire to incorporate both individual characteristics and supervision practices into models to explain the progress of individuals on supervision.…”

“…Usually, supervision is perceived as compliance or case management functions where the emphasis is on meeting requirements (i.e., compliance) or addressing needs (i.e., social work). Blasko et al (2021) recently expanded these traditional approaches by focusing on using compliance strategies to address risks (i.e., risk-based), to enhance contacts (contact-driven supervision), to monitor conditions (i.e., compliance), and attend to needs to achieve short-term progress. Focusing on short-term progress (particularly to address gains made in employment and drivers of criminal behavior) performed equally well as a combination of all approaches and was superior to risk-based, contact-driven, and compliance only approaches (Blasko et al, 2021).…”