What do you feel is the most effective way to administer probation - Essay Example

Effective administration of probation Probation which serves as an alternative to imprisonment has been administered through a number of ways over the years. Juvenile probation offers an opportunity for minors who have pleaded guilty of criminal offences to undergo a number of experiences aimed at correcting their attitudes. They are put under the supervision of juvenile probation officers who ensures that they carry out their duties effectively. Several ways by which probation for the juveniles can be administered include community service programs in which the offender engages in several activities aimed at benefiting the community.

Some of the activities include catering services in homes for the elderly and environmental cleaning activities in a bid to foster responsible behavior among the junior offenders so that they can be received back into the community.Another approach to probation is restitution in which the judge may order the law-breaker to pay some fine or compensation to the victim in order to avoid a jail term. The fine is meant to offer compensation for the loss caused to the victim. The level of compensation is set by the judge based on the nature of the damage caused and failure to meet such regulations by the offender may lead to harsh penalties such as a jail sentence.

Day treatment is another form of administering probation that is applied to mentally incapacitated and alcohol abuse offenders. This involves counseling services to the offenders and group therapies. The most effective form of administering probation is the community service method. This is because it exposes the offender to the realities of life as well as facilitating the process of being accepted by the community. Community service initiatives promote responsibility among the juvenile offenders thus making them responsible members of the society.

It further creates awareness among the offenders as they come to terms with their victims who may be part of the same community in which they are involved (Bartollas, Clemens, and Stuart J. Miller, 24-114). Work CitedBartollas, Clemens, and Stuart J. Miller. Juvenile Justice in America. , 2014. Print..