DISCHARGE FROM PAROLE

 

OVERVIEW

This evaluation looked at the impact of parole supervision (treatment as usual) versus release without parole supervision (treatment) on youth in California. There were no significant impacts on the treated individuals for number of arrests, number of convictions, time to offenses, time to convictions, and, after controlling for number at risk in the community, quarterly percentages arrested and quarterly percentages convicted. However, the nature of arrests and time in custody were significantly different.

 

DESCRIPTION OF PROGRAM

 

Target Population: Youth who will be out of detention on parole

 

Parole is a trial period of time that is served when an inmate is released from their sentenced confinement early. The young person must follow rules associated with parole. If the inmate violates parole, he or she will suffer consequences, such as additional jail or prison time. This intervention was designed to see how youth fare when they are discharged from parole, such that youth who are first offenders are released without supervision.

 

EVALUATION OF PROGRAM

 

Jackson, P.C.. (1983). Some effects of parole supervision on recidivism. British Journal of Criminology, 23(1): 17-34.

 

Evaluated Population: Youth (N=314) from three parole units in the California Youth Authority were studied.

 

Approach: The youth were randomly assigned to discharge from parole or parole supervision. Data were collected from criminal records, warrants, charges not filed in court, charges filed with no disposition, and charges filed with alternative dispositions.

 

Results: There were no differences in the number of arrests, number of convictions, time to offenses, time to convictions, and, after controlling for number at risk in the community, quarterly percentages arrested and quarterly percentages convicted.

 

Compared with supervised parolees, those discharged from parole were less likely to be charged with serious crimes and more likely to be charged with crimes more serious than alcohol- or drug-related crimes. Those discharged from parole had a lower mean number of months in custody than the parolees, and during “quarter” 5 of the study, were significantly less likely to be in custody.

 

SOURCES FOR MORE INFORMATION

 

References:

 

Jackson, P.C.. (1983). Some effects of parole supervision on recidivism. British Journal of Criminology, 23(1): 17-34.

 

Program categorized in this guide according to the following:

 

Evaluated participant ages: unknown

 

Program components: Clinic/provider based

 

Measured outcomes: Behavioral problems

 

KEYWORDS: Community-based; Adolescents (12-17); Young Adults (18-24); Juvenile Offenders; Other Behavioral Problems; Aggression/Violence/Bullying; Delinquency (e.g., truancy, vandalism, theft, assault, running away); Urban; Case Management.

 

Updated 3/5/10

 

		© Child Trends 2004