JDAI Coordinator Christine McAfee Receives Recognition from PALS
PALS (People & Animals Learning Services) Recognition. On May 2, 2005, PALS celebrated 25 years of operation with the “Mane Event: Silver Reins Gala.” At the gala, PALS recognized the Monroe County Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) Coordinator Christine McAfee as their Outstanding Community Partner. PALS is a non-profit adaptive riding center located in Bloomington, Indiana. They provide equine-assisted services to people with disabilities, veterans, senior citizens, and at-risk youth. The therapeutic power of the horse can offer many physical, emotional, and social benefits for a diverse population. PALS partners with community organizations, including our Probation Department, to provide classes for at-risk youth to develop social-emotional skills. Horses provide an environment for participants to develop leadership skills and trust, learn how to set boundaries, and overcome challenges. The Monroe Circuit Court Probation Department provides JDAI grant funds to support community access to PALS services.
From Research to Action to Successful Outcomes
July 17, 2024
Probation is by far the largest form of correctional control in the United States, and a leading cause of incarceration. Despite the widespread use of probation as a method of correctional control, historically little has been known about the drivers of probation violations and how to meaningfully improve outcomes for those under supervision while maintaining community safety. It was against this backdrop that CUNY ISLG launched the Reducing Revocations Challenge (RRC) in 2019, with support from Arnold Ventures.
The RRC aimed to fill the void of information on drivers of revocation through in-depth, mixed-method research, which was conducted in 10 counties during Phase I; in Phase II the findings were put into action with innovative strategies to improve probation outcomes and equity in a subset of those sites: Monroe County, IN; Pima County, AZ; Ramsey County, MN; and Santa Cruz County, CA.
This report documents Phase II and the lessons learned from the RRC for cities and counties seeking to implement similar reforms, and the accompanying policy brief describes the action research model employed in the initiative.
See our blog for a look at what Action Research meant in the RRC, as well as how counties applied what they found.
Probation Officers Want Juveniles to Know they care
At the Monroe Circuit Court Probation Office, Juvenile Division, there is no "business as usual" these days. "Care packages" for youth, to let them know their probation officers care about their well-being are being delivered this week. Inside is a variety of items, including snacks, candy, playing cards, and brain teasers.
