Reimagining Probation Reform: Applying a Coaching Model to Probation Departments

Abstract

Over the past 20 years, the criminal justice system has been the focus of much-needed reform. Overwhelmed by the decades of “get tough” policies, the corrections system needs to be reimagined from top to bottom—with probation being front and center to any reform efforts. Serving nearly 4.5 million people a year, probation departments often fall under the radar as to their part in the corrections system. This chapter explores the ways in which probation departments, as well as probation officers, can realign their practice with the purpose of rehabilitation. Calling for evolution of probation from catching failure (referee probation) to one that focuses on improving success (probation coach)—this chapter challenges the system to truly reimagine probation. Probation administrators, operating like general managers of a team, are responsible for employing both staff and strategies that are aligned with rehabilitative goals. This chapter provides a guide for probation administrators to rethink how their agencies operate—shifting the focus from inputs to outputs—ultimately ensuring that the staff are provided an environment where they can evolve into hall of fame coaches.