Prison Sentencing: A Diversionary Study

Diversionary programs aim to use a variety of program based sanctions that permit convicted offenders to remain in the community under conditional supervision as an alternative to a prison sentence. These programs include probation, parole, community corrections and many more. Diversionary programs not only provide offenders with better way to serve their sentence, but also provide employment opportunities.
Schmalleger (2015) defines probation as "A sentence served while under supervision in the community" (p. 391). Probation like other sentencing options are court ordered it is the most common form of criminal sentencing. Individuals sentenced to probation must agree to follow court mandated conditions. If these conditions are violated probation

can be revoked (Schmalleger, 2015, p. 394). Another sentencing option is parole. Schmalleger (2015) defines parole as "the supervised early release of inmates from correctional confinement" (p. 394). Parole differs from probation as probation is a sentencing strategy that offers people and alternative to prison. while parole is a correction strategy with the purpose of gradually be returning offenders to a productive life.
Both probation and parole I made a possible due to probation and parole officers. The task performed by parole and probation officers are so similar some jurisdictions combine the role of people into one job. The job consists of intake procedures diagnosis and needs assessment client supervision and presentence of investigations (Schmalleger, 2015, p. 2015).
In New York City probation officers make preliminary investigations of defendants’ alleged crimes; obtain information on client’s legal, economic, and psycho-social history and background. They may also provide therapeutic counseling to probationers individually or in groups, and supervise their progress. Probation officers also refer probationers to social, governmental or community agencies which may assist in probationer’s rehabilitation (The City of New York Department of Citywide Administrative Services Application Unit, 2015). Probation officers are also permitted to “perform violation of probation warrant investigations, enforce Violation of Probation warrants, execute warrants, perform “failure to report” investigations and requisite field visits, detain or take into custody probationers wanted by law enforcement agencies, assist the Office of General Counsel in the preparation of cases for the Violation of Probation process, and execute search orders; and perform related work” (The City of New York Department of Citywide Administrative Services Application Unit, 2015).
The minimum education required for probation officers is a bachelor’s degree in a human service related field. In New York City, in order to qualify you must have a “graduate degree from an accredited college or university, in social work, education, law, sociology, psychology, criminology, rehabilitation counseling, counseling, guidance, or a related field” (The City of New York Department of Citywide Administrative Services Application Unit, 2015). In lieu of a graduate degree an applicant may also have “a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university, and two years of satisfactory full-time experience in casework or counseling in a recognized social work/counseling setting adhering to acceptable professional standards in the field of probation, parole, social services, psychiatric social work, or a related field” (The City of New York Department of Citywide Administrative Services Application Unit, 2015). New York City also requires that applicants receive at least a 70 percent on a multiple-choice test, which is designed to assess the extent to which candidates have certain abilities determined to be important to the tasks of a Probation Officer. Task areas which are tested are include: Case Management, Forms and Reports, Field Service Activities, Specialized Duties (The City of New York Department of Citywide Administrative Services Application Unit, 2015).
Parole officers usually work in field offices stationed in major cities throughout the state. The main objective of parole officers is to provide assistance and guardianship to offenders that have been released from a correctional institution but must remain under community supervision for a determined amount of time. In New York Parole Officer are part of the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision in correctional facilities and area field offices throughout New York State (Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, 2016). Parole Officers are typically assigned to the area field offices, which are located in many of the major cities of New York State. The responsibilities of a parole officer include aiding, assisting and supervising offenders released from correctional facilities to serve a period of post-release supervision. Parole Officers are responsible for providing public safety and community protection, while working with community-based organizations to deliver needed services and supervision to offenders released. Parole Officers perform both social work and law enforcement functions (Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, 2016).
In order to qualify to be a parole officer an applicant must Bachelor's Degree and three years’ experience as a social worker or group worker in a recognized social service, correctional, criminal justice, community or human welfare agency.

If they do not meet these requirements the applicant may meet the requirement to be a parole officer trainee. The requirement for this is a Bachelor's Degree or higher degree in sociology, psychology, social work, counseling, criminal justice, rehabilitation counseling, American studies with concentration in Native American studies, or in Black, Asian Pacific Islander, Hispanic cultural studies, or Latin American/Caribbean studies; or a law degree (Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, 2016). If an applicant meets the requirements they will have to take a Parole Officer or Parole Officer Trainee Civil Service examination. In certain instances, an individual already employed by New York State may qualify for transfer (Department of Corrections and Community Supervision,

2016).
The Division of Probation and Correctional Alternatives funds a variety correctional alternative programs throughout New York State.

Currently, there are approximately 165 diversionary correctional programs designed to reduce reliance on incarceration and operate in a manner consistent with public safety (Division of Criminal Justice Services, 2016). In New York City, The Youth Advocacy Project works with court-involved youth. The program provides case management, counseling, peer support groups, and engaging activities rooted in a youth development perspective (Center for Community Alternatives. Inc, 2012).
Caseworkers working for this program are responsible for assuring that the youth meet their court dates and abide by court mandates, while helping them improve their family relations, maintain regular attendance in school, and address health and mental health issues. They are also expected to maintain strong and effective relationships with judges and other court personnel. Caseworkers are to perform nightly curfew checks on clients, and have regular interaction with the youth’s schools to ensure and verify school attendance, and conduct home visits (Center for Community Alternatives. Inc,

2012).
Programs such as The Youth Advocacy Project provide many opportunities for employment including: Student Advocate, Case Manager, Transition Coach, Substance Abuse Case Manager, Court Advocate, Community Health Educator, After School Specialist, Reentry Specialist and many more (Center for Community Alternatives. Inc, 2012). Each individual postion has different responsibilities to ensure their clients succeed.
The Court Advocate responsible for conducting initial client screening and assessment, background investigation including making home visits, interviewing family members and collecting background documentation to support alternative to incarceration placement. This individual serves as program liaison to the court; they write and submit reports representing client progress, needs and concerns. In order to qualify for this, position an applicant must at least a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice, Social Work or a related field. As well as, experience working in criminal justice system and with at risk youth (Center for Community Alternatives. Inc, 2012).
A Student Advocate’s duties include ensuring parents and youth understand the Disciplinary hearing process, their rights and responsibilities and outcomes of the hearing. This individual works with youth and their family to develop an advocacy plan aimed at keeping the youth engaged in school. The student advocate is responsible for attend hearings, identifying solutions and ensuring that students re-enroll in school after the hearing. To qualify for this, position a person must should have a Master's degree in social work, education, policy, criminal justice (Center for Community Alternatives. Inc, 2012).
Diversion program are a form of sentencing which allow offenders a better alternative to a prison sentence. These programs not only benefit the offender, but also provide rewarding careers for many individuals that seek to help others.