After returning from more than two decades in prison, Randall McNeil, policy analyst at Arnold Ventures, expected support from his probation officer. Instead, he found one roadblock after another to getting his life back on track. Part of what drives that, McNeil says, is that probation officers aren't often incentivized to see their clients do well. In his contribution to the Federal Sentencing Reporter's special issue on drug testing and supervision, guest edited by our team at Center for Justice Innovation, he shares his experience with the harms of probation and offers a vision for a better way. Access the full piece here: https://bit.ly/3WkoIPe
Happy to share my story to help inform change>
Very glad that this subject of Probation addressed. The system needs updating but also needs a way of allowing those who follow ( once outside the walls) are acknowledged and offered a way of reducing probation time. Allow people easier return to society. Second issue, the Judge, who needs to accept Probation suggestions versus simply denying
Incentive systems can be powerful motivators. But programs that incentivize behavior can also be designed or ran poorly where it can create additional, unintended negative consequences. Having an experienced expert in behavior science to development and evaluate incentive programs can help make them more effective.
Mental Health Professional / Life Coach / Counseling / Facilitator / Mentor / Educator / Trainer / Criminal Justice Reform Advocate
1wProbation officers should help us reintegrate into society. That's exactly what that position should be. The reason the vast majority of federal prisoners have to endure a period of supervised release on top of incarceration is because according to the narrative, "we need support and guidance to complete the rehabilitation process, which they say begins on day one when we put our feet inside the prison." If they don't want to help, they should go and find another job! ... And the reality is that the ones who should be incentivized for doing good are us!