Adult Probation Program - Program Evaluation

The report describes factors that contribute to adults successfully completing probation. These include substance abuse treatment programs, differing probation management approaches counties have adopted, and outcomes associated with gender and other demographic characteristics. Of particular note was the fact that substance abusers, who consistently attended or successfully completed alcohol or drug abuse treatment, were much more likely to successfully complete probation than was the general sample of probationers we evaluated. Consistent employment and completion of community service also predict successful probation outcomes. The evaluation identified differences in the ways in which counties manage probationers. In meeting the often-conflicting responsibilities of offender management and community protection, some counties emphasize restitution and rehabilitation; whereas, others are less tolerant of noncompliant behavior and quicker to revoke probation. Probation outcomes varied somewhat by gender, ethnicity, mental health, and demographic factors commonly reported in the literature. For example, women were somewhat more likely to successfully complete probation, and when they did violate conditions of probation, they were less likely to have probation revoked than were men. Education, age, and income were correlated positively with probation success for men, but not for women.