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Abstract: 

In an effort to be effective, efficient, and economical in the delivery of services to offenders, many agencies have embraced the idea of developing partnerships with other social service and criminal justice agencies. Leonard A. Sipes, Jr., with the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency based in Washington, DC, describes in his contribution to this issue an orientation program for paroled offenders and offenders with a new probation sentence. Sipes describes a program in which all the agencies that have a stake in the success of the released offender are present and the services they offer are explained to the offenders as part of the general orientation to supervision. Offenders are reminded that there are consequences for failure to comply but that there are also services they can access that will increase their chances for a successful outcome. This is a very practical article that describes the details of the meeting, the rules of supervision, the roles of the various agencies, and the services offered. A key lesson is the fact that not only is the offender being oriented, so are all of the different partners! The information that is gained and shared in the process will be helpful in bridging the offender to a successful outcome or will assist in applying consequences that ensure public safety.

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Affiliations:  1: Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA).