Prison Sentencing: A Diversionary Study

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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 …show more content…

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, …show more content…

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,

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