Problem

Problematic Behavior Or Activity

Klamath County Community Corrections has seen an increase in the number of females placed on community supervision.The department did not offer specialized supervision for females who are under community corrections supervision.

With an increased use of risk and needs assessments, our officers began receiving a plethora of information about females under supervision, and we realized that we did not have the capacity to address many gender-specific issues.

Impact On The Community

More women are entering the criminal justice system and being placed on community supervision. More targeted supervision strategies may reduce recidivism and victimization.

Solution

Program Description

Klamath County Community Corrections created its first gender-specific caseload in January 2013. At that time the department started placing medium-risk and high-risk female offenders on one specific caseload. That caseload quickly grew to two and there are now three caseloads for women.

The department contracts with the local crisis center to assist with emergency and transitional housing, to provide group and individual counseling services, and fora case manager to assist women returning to the community from jail and prison. The case manager helps remove barriers for females, such as transportation, clothing assistance, and other support services. The department also contracts for mentors, so that every female released from prison is assigned a mentor as part of Reach In services.

In January 2016, Klamath County Community Corrections began using the evidence-based Moving On curriculum. The department also uses several moral reconation therapy curricula, including “Untangling Relationships” and parenting classes. The department provides all services related to criminogenic risk factors on-­site at the Community Corrections office. Among these services are drug and alcohol assessment and treatment, cognitive programming, mental health assessment and counseling, and tele­health.

One probation/parole officer is going through the train-the-trainer process for administering the Women’s Risk Need Assessment and two other officers have been trained to use the tool.

By partnering with several community agencies and bringing everyone together in one centralized location, Klamath County Community Corrections is seeing an increase in participation, a better use of resources, and a higher overall level of compliance.

Based On Research

• “What Works” for Female Probationers?
• Supervision of Women Defendants and Offenders in the Community

Funding

The department supports the crisis center and mentor contracts with Grant-in-Aid funds. Community Corrections funds four counselor positions through various grants, including M­57, Grant-in-Aid, and a BJA grant. All other services are provided by the respective agencies, in exchange for rental space.

Outcome

Program Impact

Klamath County Community Corrections is seeing an increase in compliance with the adult female population.

Critical Success Factors

Work closely with local providers.

Lessons Learned

Thoroughly research what is already provided in the community and bring all of the partners to the table. This decreases duplication and improves resource allocation.