MHS Public Safety’s Post

The Massachusetts Probation Service offers mentorship training for individuals and groups interested in helping clients re-entering society after incarceration The Office of Community Corrections (OCC) offers individuals and community organizations the opportunity to mentor clients who are re-entering society after serving time in prison. The OCC, in conjunction with the National Center for State Courts, provides the online training publication, “The Reentry Mentorship Program Facilitator’s Guide.” OCC, which manages the 19 Community Justice Support Centers across the state, is a division of the Massachusetts Probation Service. “This training is designed for community organizations or individuals who wish to volunteer. They can use the materials to develop mentorship groups of their own that can help support successful reentry, “ said Vincent Lorenti, OCC Director. Mentorship training focuses on “the role of the mentor, the path through the criminal justice system, mentorship goals, setting appropriate boundaries, factors that affect recidivism, and more.” The materials also include “references to additional information, resources, and support services to help mentees during the reentry process and provide mock scenarios to help mentors navigate situations they may encounter,” Mr. Lorenti said. The information and printed materials were developed by the National Center for State Courts (NCSC) under a contract with the Massachusetts Probation Service (MPS) and funded by the State Justice Institute (SJI). For more details on the training, direct your questions to: community.justice@jud.state.ma.us #MassachusettsProbationService #MassachusettsTrialCourt #CommunityCorrections #NationalCenterforStateCourts #StateJusticeInstitute #Mentorship

To ensure clients are getting that support they need, Sacramento County Probation Department collaborates with other agencies and organizations to provide a full spectrum of services, including mental and physical health, housing, employment assistance, job training, education and more. Full story here: https://loom.ly/GaJWwzA Content created by N&R Publications for Sacramento County Probation Department. #AwarenessJournalism #SponsoredPost #Probation #Sacramento #AFreshStart

In tandem with our rich history of technical assistance and training, supported by our seminal guiding publications in Probation & Youth Justice System Review (https://lnkd.in/e5SHnWKG) and extensive history of success in multiple state and local jurisdictions nationwide, we encourage you to review the following resources produced by The Council of State Governments that further enhance the knowledge (“critical data and evidence-based solutions”) that may advance progress of innovative reforms that improve outcomes for our nation’s youth. From June 24–28, watch for data-driven solutions to support our youth and communities! #ImproveYouthOutcomes ** 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐀𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐬: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 Studies show that young people assigned to probation after their first arrest are more likely to be rearrested compared to diversion. Learn about The Pew Charitable Trusts’ and the CSG Justice Center’s newest analysis revealing important findings on youth probation and recommendations for diversion programs. Join us in supporting strategies that encourage positive youth development and transform juvenile justice. https://lnkd.in/egFTd62a   ** 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐭: 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐖𝐡𝐨 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭 𝐍𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧 𝐖𝐡𝐨 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐚𝐰 When it comes to youth who commit noncriminal offenses and children who break the law, many state policies are confusing, inconsistent, and insufficient. The CSG Justice Center’s newest project highlights the need to move beyond using arrest and courts to address young people’s service needs, and instead, embrace research-based solutions that support youth and promote public safety. By supporting alternatives to arrest and court sanctions, we can create safer communities and brighter futures for young people. Learn more about why to focus on support, not court. https://lnkd.in/ed-WyPcm  ** 𝐍𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐞, 𝐕𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐞𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡: 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐃𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐚 𝐒𝐚𝐲? The CSG Justice Center’s insightful analysis reveals key national trends in youth mental health, violence and victimization, arrests, court cases, detention, placement, and racial disparities. Join us in supporting their efforts to advance data-driven solutions that can improve public safety and youth outcomes. This comprehensive analysis provides policymakers with the insights needed to shape effective strategies. https://lnkd.in/gYbRBEpM 

Honored to Speak at an annual Probation Conference recently. I had the privilege of delivering a keynote at a probation conference, where I discussed the benefits of adopting restorative approaches with service users. It was an opportunity to highlight how restorative practices can play a crucial role in rehabilitation, even when referrals for RJ, particularly those initiated by perpetrators, are often low. Understandably, speaking to those you’ve harmed may seem like the last thing anyone would want to do. But we explored compelling reasons why this might benefit individuals on license in the community. Together, we shared best practices and uncovered subtle signs that someone may be ready to engage in RJ. A key message I emphasized was that restorative justice is about more than just repairing harm—it’s about fostering healthy relationships. Whether it’s with a relative, a friend, or a victim, there is always a relationship that needs mending or a conversation that could use facilitation. Crime impacts everyone involved, and the relationships damaged in its wake must be repaired and maintained for desistance to occur. If uptake of RJ is low, perhaps we should begin by rebuilding those crucial connections closer to home? Or using RJ practitioners with low case loads to be more proactive in the types of conferences they facilitate… In addition to sparking reflection on restorative practices, I also encouraged attendees to think about how to build trust and increase engagement in their roles. For the second half of the event, I facilitated interactive discussions based on key themes raised during the Q&A. These included: • Best practices for building trust and fostering engagement • The limitations probation officers face in having more impact • How environments, such as new office spaces, and where we come in to contact can be designed to feel safer and more supportive As any good facilitator knows, the true knowledge lies within the room. Despite my lived experience and academic background, my role wasn’t to tell probation officers how to do their jobs but to provoke the right questions and help facilitate meaningful solutions. I have deep respect for probation officers working under such challenging conditions. With high caseloads, performance measures, staff well-being concerns, early release schemes, and public protection responsibilities, their roles are far from easy. Yet, as I stressed during my keynote, healthy conversations are key—whether in personal or professional settings. I want to thank the leadership team and everyone at the conference for embracing this dialogue. These are the kinds of cultures that bring out the best in their teams, ultimately leading to better outcomes for those they support.

Join the Probation Institute & International Network for Criminal Justice IN-CJ as we explore professionalism and regulation in probation practice. Discover key insights on ethical standards, human rights, and the future of probation services Date: 20 November 2024 Time: 3pm CET | 4pm GMT Location: Online Webinar Why attend? The probation sector plays a crucial role in community safety and rehabilitation. As probation practices and standards evolve worldwide, this webinar offers a rare opportunity to gain insights from global experts. Our speakers will share experiences from their respective countries, exploring how different jurisdictions approach the regulation and professionalism of probation services. We are proud to feature the following distinguished speakers: Professor Ioan Durnescu (Bucharest University, Romania) – A leading academic voice on community sanctions and social reintegration. Scott Maurer (Chief of Staff, Georgia Department of Community Supervision, USA) – Sharing practical insights from one of the largest community sanctions systems in the United States. Marian O’Rourke (Director of Regulations and Standards, Northern Ireland Social Care Council) – Contributing strategic and operational experience of regulation. Arjen Alting | Manon de Nooijer (Regional Secretary | Criminologist, Reclassering Nederland) – Bringing the perspective of the Dutch probation system and its innovative approaches to practitioner regulation. The session will be chaired by Jana Spero, CEP Secretary General, and promises to be a dynamic discussion that will benefit all professionals working in or alongside probation services. Who should attend? This webinar is tailored for probation officers, regulatory bodies, policymakers, and anyone interested in the future of probation practices. Whether you are directly involved in probation services or simply interested in how regulation shapes community justice, this event will provide you with valuable international perspectives. How to register: Email admin@probation-institute.org to reserve your spot today. Spaces are limited, so early registration is encouraged. This webinar is a unique chance to be part of a global conversation that addresses the challenges and opportunities in regulating and professionalising the probation sector. We look forward to seeing you there and engaging in this important dialogue. The programme will be sent to registered attendees. https://lnkd.in/eiEvJcJz

Genuinely one of the most enjoyable methodologies I’ve ever had the opportunity to utilise in practice! Innovative method with some useful findings for those interested in the management of probation services. #probation #report #review #realistreview #HMIP #research

A group of academics from Welsh universities, along with current and former probation officers, have published ideas on the future of the Probation Service in Wales. This comes after the Independent Commission on the Constitutional Future of Wales published its report in recent weeks recommending the devolution of probation to Wales. The Probation Development Group, part of the Welsh Centre for Crime and Social Justice (WCCSJ) which includes academics from the University of South Wales, Bangor University, Aberystwyth University, and Swansea University, has set out evidence and ways of working for developing a devolved probation service in Wales. The publication includes thinking on a new independent probation service centred on the supervisory relationship between the probation officer and the probationer, better use of evidenced-based interventions, local resources, and strong partnerships. The group also highlights the important role of the community and community sentences, to promote effective rehabilitation and victim safety. Probation delivered effectively, the group say, can lead to less costly imprisonment, reductions in offending, and safer communities with fewer victims of crime. Swansea University Criminology lecturer and former senior probation officer, Ella Rabaiotti, who convenes the Probation Development Group, said: “Whilst we recognise that more disruption within probation is far from ideal, we do think there needs to be to a stronger evidenced-based approach to probation work to help address the real disparities in Welsh criminal justice outcomes. “It will be for policymakers to decide on the shape of a Welsh Probation Service in proper consultation with the appropriate stakeholders, but there is significant learning offered in our publication to potentially improve community safety and social justice for all communities in Wales.” In putting forward their proposals to the Welsh Government, the independent expert group has drawn from decades of research and experience in probation practice and governance. Their work aims to contribute to the Welsh Government's justice policy plans, following the conclusions of the Thomas Commission which found that the current criminal justice system is not serving the people of Wales. They say this has now been further reinforced by the new report from the Independent Commission. The Welsh group’s views follow concerns by the outgoing Chief Inspector of Probation, Justin Russell who stated that probation standards have ‘worsened’ in the last two years. And the latest findings from the Wales Governance Centre state that the Welsh imprisonment rate continues to exceed any other part of the UK. The Probation Development Group plan to use their publications to assist conversations on devolving probation in Wales, as well as promoting further opportunities for research and understanding into effective probation services.

Papua New Guinea Probation and Parole Services (PNGPPS) and Probation and Community Corrections Officers' Association of Australia (PACCOA) Enter into Strategic Partnership The Papua New Guinea Probation and Parole Services (PNGPPS) and the Probation and Community Corrections Officers' Association Incorporated of Australia (PACCOA) are pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that formalizes a collaborative partnership aimed at enhancing offender management and professional development. This MoU marks a significant step forward in the partnership between PNGPPS and PACCOA, both of which share a commitment to rehabilitating and reintegrating offenders for a safer and more secure society. The collaboration was initially conceived during the 4th World Congress on Probation held in Sydney, Australia in 2019, where both parties recognized the alignment of their goals and the potential benefits of working together. Under the terms of the MoU, PNGPPS and PACCOA will share insights and experiences to strengthen their respective areas of work. The partnership focuses on increasing productivity, enhancing quality service delivery in offender management, and improving professional development opportunities for their members and staff. By networking and collaborating, both organizations aim to promote best practices and elevate the standards of justice and community safety. Daniel Lang, President of PACCOA, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership: "This MoU represents a significant milestone in our efforts to improve community-based offender management. By working closely with PNGPPS, we can leverage our collective expertise to foster a safer community and provide better support for our staff. This collaboration is a testament to our shared commitment to professional excellence and community well-being." The MoU is effective immediately and outlines the responsibilities and roles of each party to ensure a productive and ongoing partnership. This collaboration is expected to yield substantial benefits for both organizations and contribute to the broader goals of justice and community safety.

How many adults in the United States are on probation or parole? Which state has the biggest probation population? Does community supervision even work? If so, how many people successfully complete and exit their program? In this blog, we dive into the numbers behind probation, how the statistics compare over time and across states, and what we can do to improve.

We have proof that a united community can save our Black men and boys one at a time. Our statistics show that numbers don't lie. 🌟 What is this? It's a northern California program called the Phoenix Project: it targets “at risk” youths and adults. This story in the Marin Independent Journal reports: the Phoenix Project "provides services to help rehabilitate and remove barriers to a more positive future." 👏 The Phoenix Project works for a number of reasons: it's based in the community where troubled men and boys live. The service center is located on-site so participants don't have to find transportation to access it. Several agencies work together as a cohesive unit with support from private citizens, non-profits, local government agencies and law enforcement. From the Marin IJ: "The program is marking a milestone of 15 years of working to drastically decrease the number of Marin City adults and juveniles in the criminal justice system. When the program launched in 2009, there were 122 Marin City adults on supervised probation, and in 2023, there were 14, according to the Marin County Probation Department. In 2009, there were 76 Marin City referrals to the juvenile probation division, and in 2023 there were 11. Felecia Gaston, executive director of the Phoenix Project, said the barriers that prevent Black men, particularly, from having a more positive life range from basic needs such as securing housing and transportation to addressing broader issues like mental health, education help and racial injustice concerns." I hope you can take a moment and read about the Phoenix Project and help us celebrate it! This is a model program that can be adapted to any community anywhere. Please contact me if you want to start your own Phoenix Project. Thank you Krissy Waite for shining a light on our Phoenix Project! ✨ Marin Independent Journal MARIN COUNTY JUVENILE PROBATION Reverend Dr. Rondall Leggett Marin County Superior Court Marin County Superior Court Marin Villages Marin County Office of Education Marin Community Foundation Marin City Community Development Corporation Cheryl Jennings Cheryl Paddack Deborah Santana Professional BusinessWomen of California (PBWC) Tracey Watkowski Silva Julian Glover IWF Northern California International Women's Forum BLACK PILOTS OF AMERICA INC Sisters of the Skies, Inc. 501(c)(3) #education #community #savingourblackmenandboys #technology #feleciagaston #leadership #communityunited #phoenixproject #rehabilitate #removebarriers #compassion #lawenforcement #workingtogether