...Community corrections is a range of alternative punishments for nonviolent offenders. There are two basic community corrections models in the United States. In the first model, integrated community corrections programs combine sentencing guidelines and judicial discretion ("front-end") with a variety of alternative sanctions and parole and probation options. In the second model, some states have instituted programs in which correctional officials may direct already sentenced offenders into alternative sanction programs and parole and probation options ("back-end"). Both models are designed to help reduce prison overcrowding and are less expensive alternatives to prison. Widespread development of community correction programs in the United States began in the late 1970's as a way to offer offenders, especially those leaving jail or prison, residential services in halfway houses. The first state community correction programs began in Oregon, Colorado, and Minnesota as pilot projects with very little government-funded support. They diverted nonviolent offenders in selected pilot project areas from jails and state prisons into local alternative punishment programs. The programs were referred to as "front-end" sentencing because they allowed judges to sentence offenders to a community-based punishment rather than jail or prison. Rehabilitation programs were the preferred punishment option. In the late 1980's, prison systems across the country began experiencing serious overcrowding...
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...and Correctional Psychology Antonella Zavala MISSOURI VALLEY COLLEGE CJ240 ABSTRACT Forensic psychology is the science that studies the individuals offender’s behavior. Forensic Science has other sciences that coordinates its goal such as Legal Psychology which will decide whether an offender is on conditions to go or not to court and correctional psychology that will follow the behavior and rehab on an offender Introduction In the show Criminal Minds on A&E, they show a dramatize version of what very few talented people do daily. Although, it is not what really happens it gives people a light overview on something that is more realistic and detailed. Solving a case, analyzing an offender takes time and a lot of research on the individual. However, their job does not finish when they catch the bad guy because that is just the beginning of a long work on rehabilitation to prevent by analyzing the motive of every offender and been able to prevent more crimes of occurring. Legal and Correctional Psychology follows the behavior of the offender during their time inside and outside the correctional with the only purpose to understand what lead them to offense in order to prevent more murders, suicide , child abuse and so on. In America, Forensic Psychology plays an important role in the Criminal Justice System, with special focus in Legal and Correctional Psychology. In the last 30 years Forensic Psychology has developed as a field and in 2001 was recognized by...
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...failed to bring out the realities of women’s lived experiences (Price & Sokoloff, 2004). Although these experiences are unfortunate common struggles for women offenders, there seemed to be limited research that explored how those struggles in women’s lives seemed to affect their likelihood of recidivism. At last, the “pathways” perspective, which investigates whether women have distinct pathways to initial crime and recidivism compared to men, is improved mainly by qualitative methodologies. In the current study: Gendered Pathways: A Quantitative Investigation of Women Probationers’ Paths to Incarceration, featured in the Journal of Criminal Justice and Behavior, authors Emily J. Salisbury and Patricia Van Voorhis quantitatively investigate women’s possibilities of ongoing criminal behavior (2009). Although some implications did arise, this study is important to the field by offering explanations of female offending which can offer proper interventions to help reduce recidivism. Throughout this paper I will be summarizing and critiquing the above article. The mentioned study uses a path analytic statistical procedure with a sample of 313 newly convicted women probationers selected by the Missouri Department of Corrections according to a stratified sample, to investigate three gendered pathways to women offenders’ incarceration: 1) a pathway beginning with childhood victimization that contributed to historical and current form of mental illness and substance abuse; 2) a...
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...offense. Offenders with paraphilic interests are at increased risk for sexual recidivism. For example, most individuals have little interest in exposing their genitals to strangers or stealing underwear. Offenders who engage in these types of behaviors are more likely to have problems conforming their sexual behavior to conventional standards than offenders who have no interest in paraphilic activities. It should be noted here that the DVD’s made available to this evaluator did not change Mr. Martinez’s static risk factors for future acts of sexual misconduct in the Static 99 risk assessment tool and remains as Moderate. The following risk factors were considered based on the new data made available to this evaluator: Index Non-sexual Violence, Any convictions. This factor was excluded due to the following: If the offender’s criminal record shows a separate conviction for a non-sexual violent offence at the same time they were convicted of their Index Offence, you score the offender a “1” on this item. If the offender’s criminal record does not show a separate conviction for a non-sexual violent offence at the same time they were convicted of their Index Offence, you score the offender a “0” on this...
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...centers, work release programs, house arrest, and general community supervision. Community corrections programs serve the purpose of monitoring behavior of the convicted criminal, evaluating the likelihood of recidivism, holding criminals accountable to monitoring standards, establishing rehabilitative programs that serve a positive socializing function, and contributing to financial efficiency goals of the community. The type of corrections program is typically adjusted across a range of factors, including supervision, rehabilitation, and counseling. Each of these interests has the long-term goal of reducing the risk of future criminal activity and keeping the community safe. The most properly functioning community corrections programs streamline punishments with the needs of the criminal based on active assessments and risk awareness (Belenko & Taxman, 2011). The idea is that these personalized programs will ultimately be more helpful than a simple stay in local penitentiary. The top priority when an offender enters a community corrections program is to evaluate the extent to which he or she may repeat the offense. Assignment to officers and programs is made based on this variable, with high-risk cases being accorded higher levels of supervision, special types of monitoring, and random substance abuse testing. These offenders are also normally placed in...
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...The Psychology of Criminal Behaviour: Theories from Past to Present by editor i Arista B. Dechant, Fort Hays State University, Kansas download this essay: theories-of-criminal-behavior Arista writes: I have been involved in extensive research since undergraduate school surrounding criminals and how they operate. There are many ideas surrounding the cause of antisocial behavior and criminality. Through this independent study class for Fort Hays State University’s Justice Studies (Graduate) Program, I felt I would have the perfect opportunity to explore many of theories which have developed, over time, to explain criminal behavior. It is my hope that this research paper will provide an extensive and educational look at how the psychology of a criminal impacts the activity which is produced. It seems that every year brings new ideas, but I feel that the following is a conclusive look of research compiled from the beginning of criminality to the present. I have also provided a history of criminality and how it has developed into what we now understand as forensic psychology. This field will always remain fluid with discovery, and my greatest pleasure would come from being part of it in the future. [pic] “Wherever he steps, whatever he touches, whatever he leaves behind, even unconsciously, will serve as a silent witness against him.” Edmund Locard The application of psychology in the criminal and civil justice system is known as forensic...
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...Annotated Bibliography: What the Literature Says About Juvenile Sex Offenders The following articles, factsheets, and studies have been compiled to assist attorneys and individuals working on behalf of youth charged with sexual offending. The information contained in these resources aim to help others realize the fundamental differences between adult sex offenders and juvenile sex offenders, which include positive responses of juveniles to treatment, low recidivism rates of juveniles and negative impact of registries on youth development. It is our hope that this information will be used to improve legal outcomes for juvenile sex offenders, and uphold the purpose of the juvenile justice system as a rehabilitative, not punitive, system. PUBLICATIONS BY TOPIC Recidivism Rates/Amenability to Treatment Judith V. Becker, What We Know About the Characteristics and Treatment of Adolescents Who have Committed Sexual Offenses, 3 CHILD MALTREATMENT 317, (1998). The author states that comprehensive data does not exist to support the notion that if adolescents commit one sexual offense, they will go on to develop a pattern of sexual-offending behaviors or develop a psychosocial disorder. Michael F. Caldwell et al., An Examination of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act as Applied to Juveniles: Evaluating the Ability to Predict Sexual Recidivism, 14 PSYCHOLOGY, PUBLIC POLICY AND LAW 89, (2008). This study compared 91 juvenile males who had been treated in a secure correctional...
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...The Ohio Reentry Program was created to prevent criminals from doing the same criminal acts over again. It begins at sentencing and continues through the release of the inmate. The program identifies the needs of one and links them to services that can better them as a person. Reentry is the act of reentering something. This program was created to reduce the number of crimes as well as help offenders become better people. In 2002, Director Reginald A. Wilkinson issued The Ohio Plan for Productive Offender Reentry and Recidivism Reduction. This plan was implemented to help offenders get involved in the community instead of going back to prison and committing another crime. Many programs help to get offenders involved and out of trouble....
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...How can a Probation Officer assist an Offender that suffers from a Mental Illness? Keith Arvanitis Due Date: December 16h, 2015 Abstract I am writing this research paper as it affects me on a personal level. I chose this topic so I could learn more about the subject and use the information to better assist me in my dealings with the Maine Department of Corrections and with my day to day mental health issues. I was recently released from Maine State Prison on March 20th, 2015 after serving a two year sentence. Recently, I went to a psychiatrist for an evaluation and the doctor diagnosed me with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and with Bipolar 1. This research paper will also provide me insight on how to better assist clients in this situation as I am pursuing my Bachelor’s degree in Mental Health and Human Services. I will be discussing through research I have located and with my own expert testimony how a probation officer can assist an offender with a mental illness. Research Methods The tools available to research my questions about this topic were within the University of Maine Augusta Library Resources such as OneSearch, Google Scholar, Ursus, and EBSCO Host. As well as searching various government agency websites such as the National Institute of Corrections (www.nicic.org) and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (www.samhsa.gov) . Each of the websites provided various information on stats, charts, and detailed information...
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...Criminology is the scientific study of crime and criminals whereas forensic psychology is the interaction of the study of psychology and the law, it is also a branch of applied psychology which is concerned with the collection, examination and presentation of evidence for judicial purposes (Haward, 1953) furthermore they hold a doctorate degree in a field of psychology. The role of a criminologist is to investigate a variety of reasons to why criminals commit crimes. In order to investigate how these crimes are committed, they must consider psychological and social factors furthermore consider if any biological situations could have led the criminal to commit the crime. The role of a forensic psychologist is to provide the legal system with sound psychological information from a sound research base (Grisso, 1987). A forensic psychologist role is similar to a criminologist role to an extent that they also work with prisoners and offenders moreover they also apply the psychological theory to criminal behaviour to figure out what makes criminals commit these crimes. The premium goal of a forensic psychologist is to The first act of psychologist taking part in the justice court was in 1896 when Albert testified at the trial of Munich man accused of murdering three women. Within the United Kingdom the prison service is the largest employer of forensic psychologist. Forensic psychologists play a critical role in the assessment of offenders and the provision of support and training for...
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...Phase1 Intake Process | The purpose of this intake is to ensure public safety and security, by the successfully reintegration of the newly sentenced offender Herman Day. In this intake we will review the present and past offences; state the factors that may have contributed to Day's criminal behaviour. As well place Day in the appropriate institution with the appropriate programing that will help Day acquire the skill to successfully reintegrate back into the community as a law abiding citizen. OBJECTIVES * To ensure that an efficient system is in place for collecting all useful information necessary to assess and treat newly sentenced offenders * To ensure that the needs of the newly sentenced offender are fully identified and assessed whether the person can be treated in the community * To clearly identify those factors which contributed to the offenders criminal behavior * To ensure that an offender is placed at the appropriate institution based on their security and program needs and that the resources are available to them at that institution * To ensure that through the intake process community release potential is considered Offender Intake Assessment Process Herman has been sentenced 7 years in a federal institution Herman will be sent to Millhaven institution for a maximum of 72 day. 1) Herman will be interviewed by a parole officer. 2) Herman’s court, police, probation, forensic, and jail records...
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...Effective Intervention Brandi Steiger CRJ 201 Introduction to Criminal Justice Instructor Erick Funn February 04, 2013 Intervention 2 Focusing on Effective Intervention Effective intervention is very important when it comes to reduced reoffending. Principles of effective intervention is what psychologists developed and became organizing concepts of community corrections. The “what works” movement in corrections include four principles of the intervention which are risk principle, criminogenic need principle, treatment principle, and fidelity principle. The following paragraphs will discuss the importance and conclusioin of effective intervention. The first general principle is known as the risk principle. This includes and targets high-risk offenders. Programs usually are done with the use of risk-assessments for programs to be effective. “Once offenders’ levels of risk are known, programs can target those at the greatest risk of reoffending for the most intenstve treament” (Wright, J., 2012). Research proves that targeting low-risk offenders is less effective than targeting high-risk offenders. Based on risk level, matching treatment to intervention and treatment is the bane of corrections. As a result of an individual subjected to intensive intervention with low-risk, the offender’s behavior can worsen. Behavior can worsen when high-risk offenders and low-risk offenders are mixed together. Research shows that recidivism rates...
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...Monique McCloskey SHAY140 Criminology: Theory and Practice: Assessment 2 ESSAY Tutor: Patricia Aloi Student number: 9889000. 03 June 2013 A little girl was two when the physical and sexual abuse commenced at her day care centre in Victoria, Australia. The abuse carried on until she turned four and was perpetrated by a fellow female class mate several months older than her. The victim suffered beatings, being strangled and forced to undress during the yearlong abuse. Sexual assault was perpetrated which included being licked on her body and face as well as having objects used during her ordeal. Severe separation anxiety, nightmares, low self-esteem, difficulty learning and concentrating are regular emotions and reactions experienced by the victim as reported by her mother. A psychologist have examined the victim and found that she is experiencing extremely high anxiety levels. Due to the age of the alleged attacker the police did not commence an investigation. Research into peer to peer sexual violence has been deficient and there is no clear evidence to determine the prevalence of sexual assault in day care centres or schools. Child sexual abuse is defined as abuse that take place when an “adult, stronger child or adolescent uses his or her power or authority to involve a child in sexual activity. Sexual abuse can be physical, verbal or emotional”. It is clear by the description of events that sexual abuse occurred. Department of Communities, (2013), www.communities...
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...The U.S. Department of Justice, the Office of Justice Program states that more than 650,000 ex-offenders are released annually from a state or federal prison. The Department of Justice has implemented a re-entry program; this is when offenders make a transition from prisons and/or jails. The cost of housing an inmate in a federal or a state correctional facility is approximately $20,000 to $25,000 per year. The re-entry population consists all individuals that are returning to society who have been convicted of a criminal offense. These individuals have served time in a federal, state, or local level. Research outlines an effective correctional intervention maintains resources should focus on high risk offenders. Ex-offender are less likely to retain gainful employment, they are less educated, and they have a higher risk of substance abuse and mental health issues. Many of the prison reentry programs varies in methodology, range and scope; however, the best programs according to research are reentry programs that begin during incarceration phase and continues through the reintegrating phase. The United States government needs to be responsible for assisting ex-offenders in becoming a viable and successful candidate in society. These...
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...Corrections has been a big part of the criminal justice system. It is used as an alternative to imprisonment. The United States costs have risen in the last twenty years, these costs have come from building more jails and prisons. Policy makers needed to come up with a solution that could help cut these costs, and also stop overcrowding in prisons. Many states are on community- based corrections now. So the question is how can evidence-based practices in community corrections effectively manage offenders without compromising safety? To be able to meet this challenge it requires correction leaders to the use the most effective resources and focus on giving services that prove to reduce offender recidivism. Some examples of community corrections are parole and probation. Both systems watch convicted offenders and sometimes use the same sanctions and rehabilitation programs, but work differently. For instance, offenders on probation serve their sentencing in the community instead of being incarcerated. On the other hand, an offender on parole served time in prison but was granted to be let out in the community; due to maybe good behavior or time served expired. As policy makers now focus to have community- based corrections, probation agencies are stepping up to the plate as a leader. Probation higher ups are having the challenge to help lower these pressures by handling the growing number of offenders within the community. Instead of sending these offenders to prison, we can use this new...
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