Probation, Specialized

Specialized probation is a community supervision intervention that works with individuals in the criminal justice system who have a mental health diagnosis. Unlike standard probation programs, specialized probation is uniquely designed to address the complex mental health and criminogenic needs of individuals with mental illnesses. With their specially trained probation officers, small caseloads, and overall therapeutic approach to probation programming, specialized probation units aim to provide offenders with serious mental illness (SMI) with the support and services they need to desist from crime and address their mental health needs. This entry provides a brief history on the need for and development of specialized probation programs, describes their structure and purpose, and provides an overview of their challenges and level of effectiveness.

The Need for Specialized Probation ...

  • Loading...
locked icon

Sign in to access this content

Get a 30 day FREE TRIAL

  • Watch videos from a variety of sources bringing classroom topics to life
  • Read modern, diverse business cases
  • Explore hundreds of books and reference titles