Specialized Caseload Models

Administrative Interventions

The American Correctional Association urges correctional agencies to develop and adopt procedures for the early identification of special-needs inmates. The administrative intervention model, however, emphasizes discipline, power, and control; in this model, offender rehabilitation is not considered as high a priority as community protection. The administrative model focuses on using sanctions and supervision to monitor and control offender status, rarely applying therapeutic interventions or remedies. Administrative offender categories include intensive supervision and home detention, for example, to manage offenders who have been convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) of sex offenses. For example, sex offenders can be managed with therapeutic or administrative interventions, depending on the jurisdiction's emphasis regarding compliance or administrative control. Under the administrative model, management of sex offenders focuses on technical compliance rather than treatment, and the officers who supervise these offenders do not emphasize rehabilitation. External, private therapeutic interventions are not generally accepted as a module in administrative programs.

Therapeutic Interventions

In contrast to the administrative model, the therapeutic, or social work, model sets the essential [Page 424]foundation for a specialized caseload model. Model blending seeks to address and treat client issues or disorders that have led to dysfunctional criminal behaviors. For example, clients are mandated to participate in therapeutically oriented programs that address alcohol and drug abuse, sex offenses, and other problematic behaviors that gave impetus to their crimes.

Mentally ill probationers are described as more noncompliant than other groups. Supervisors of mentally ill offenders identify them to be their most difficult cases. Among the challenges that mentally ill probationers pose for supervisors are the coordination of their treatment sessions and ensuring that they take their medications.

The Specialized Caseload Approach

Probation officers and probation counselors who use specialized caseload models emphasize counseling and treatment modalities. The approach is individual and strives for enhanced rapport with the offender. The purpose is to establish the change necessary for psychological adjustment to community life. The probation officer or counselor applies social work strategies and individualized casework methods to provide the necessary support for adjustment.

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