Probation and the Needs of Clients - Essay Example

Classification of prisoners is made on the assessment of its inmates’ security levels, checks, and curative needs, thus putting up the inmates into different sanctioned programs. The criteria for classifying the inmates are the nature of the crime, duration of the sentence, and the inmates’ attitude. The assigned institutions and correctional units differ by security levels. The Institutional Assignment Criteria is based on set guidelines for the corrections staff to recommend the most preferable institution while taking care of treatment needs as well.

Different states have their classification systems that have different security levels prevalent. After the completion of the court proceedings, the offenders are enrolled into the department of corrections as soon as the final sentence of court orders reaches its office. This intake of offenders can happen at any of the DOC reception and classification facilities. Offenders are thoroughly interviewed by the expert staff to be put in a suitable security level according to which institutions are assigned

The Client Management Classification System (CMC) of classification in probation and parole is a model system approach as prepared by the National Institute of Corrections. It provides an orderly method of incorporating all information to present an all-inclusive total view of the client (offender). Probation and parole officers get a complete view of the client within 45 minutes interview, which otherwise could take months in any other system. CMC offers an objective method in which agents can compare their first-hand impression of the client with an impartial attitude towards certain offenses, resulting in a better understanding to prepare case plans of the clients. There is no need to go for a trial-and-error procedure to measure the behavioral pattern of the client. Case plans are thoroughly prepared.

Advantages: The CMC system offers to utilize an agent’s skills and preferences for working on a particular type of client, which is inherent in the way cases are assigned to agents. Supervisors also help agents in developing strategies and ways to deal with clients’ problems as they are supposed to be involved in casework and training, resulting in preparing a base for evaluation. Agents are better equipped with the training provided, keeping aside their style to deal suitably with clients.

Disadvantage: The Client Management Classification system can’t give results unless agents are provided training, which is at least 28 hours per agent. In the absence of dedication to train its staff on the part of agency, the system is susceptible to be missuiting.

Goals:

CMC system helps clients to tackle crises and neurotic problems – the reason behind the offense. It inculcates in them better survival skills. Clients need not remain in the dangerous company of their associates in crime, who provoke them to indulge in unsocial behavior. They show response and concern and shun impulsive behavior. The system brings consistency in all walks of clients’ life – family, work, and housing. It also helps clients to get rid of old emotional problems, alcohol, and drug.