- Community Corrections and Rehabilitation Summarize the purpose of community corrections. Include relevant details about the evolution of corrections throughout history.
- Describe 1 or 2 types of community corrections options for programs and sanctions available to offenders. Include relevant details and/or examples about their purpose, goals, and outcomes.
- Compare the duties of a probation officer versus a parole officer. Include relevant details and/or examples to support your comparison.
- Compare adult corrections to the juvenile corrections system.
Community Corrections Overview
Purpose and Evolution of Community Corrections
Community corrections provides alternatives to incarceration, allowing offenders to serve their sentences while remaining in the community under supervision. The goal is to rehabilitate offenders, reduce recidivism, and ease prison overcrowding.
- Early Punishments – Harsh penalties like execution or exile were common.
- Introduction of Probation (1841) – John Augustus pioneered probation, offering supervised release instead of jail time.
- Development of Parole (19th Century) – Parole allowed inmates to be released early under strict conditions.
- Modern Reforms – Alternatives like house arrest, drug courts, and community service provide rehabilitation-focused options.
Types of Community Corrections Programs
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Probation – A court-ordered period of supervision instead of jail time.
- Goal: Allow low-risk offenders to rehabilitate in the community.
- Example: A first-time offender attends counseling and completes community service instead of going to prison.
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Electronic Monitoring (House Arrest) – Offenders wear tracking devices to ensure they stay within approved areas.
- Goal: Restrict movement while allowing limited community interaction (e.g., work, school).
- Example: A DUI offender is placed on house arrest but allowed to go to work.
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Types of Community Corrections Programs
-
Probation – A court-ordered period of supervision instead of jail time.
- Goal: Allow low-risk offenders to rehabilitate in the community.
- Example: A first-time offender attends counseling and completes community service instead of going to prison.
-
Electronic Monitoring (House Arrest) – Offenders wear tracking devices to ensure they stay within approved areas.
- Goal: Restrict movement while allowing limited community interaction (e.g., work, school).
- Example: A DUI offender is placed on house arrest but allowed to go to work.
-