Corrections Community

We are attempting to address our Courts and Parole Board with the idea of only imposing special conditions that address criminogenic needs.  So many of our courts impose conditions that have nothing to do with recidivism.  Any suggestions on how to address this and is anyone aware of any articles or studies that have been completed on this subject? 

What tool does your agency use to identify the need?  Have you developed the conditions for each need? 

I would try to look into using Compas - this is a Evidence based practice tool that is currently being used in Michigan ( Deprt of Corrections) for offenders in prison and those that get released from prison. It is my understanding that the Compas tool which comprises of risks & needs is the driving force for the supervision conditions, The company that produces the Compas is Northpoint and its operation is in Michigan - but the instrument ( compas) is circulated nationwide.

 

tb

Timothy thank you for the information.  I have not heard of that particular assessment so I will take a look.  Is there any chance the conditions are online or is there other types of access?

I am not aware of any studies validating COMPAS for risk assessment. I am interested in agency's use of COMPAS for case planning. Are you aware of programs that have used it for this purpose and conducted evaluations that meet evidence based practices standards? If so, can you direct me to these studies? PC

Here in Michigan Compas is being utilized through the MPRI ( Michigan Prison Re-entry Initiative) currently they do them in the Prisons and then when they get released it is utilized by the Parole officers specifically for case planning. Recently there was a Memorandum from the Michigan DOC that Compas will be completed while on Probation Supervision. So I would check with Michigan DOC and see if they would be able to get you information. Good Luck..

 

 

Contact: Northpointe Institute for Public Management. They developed the COMPAS and have provided us information about validity and reliability as a risk assessment tool. We're currently beginning subscale development with them for specialized applications such as Domestic Violence. Their website is:http://www.northpointeinc.com/ Kirt J. Baab, MPRI Community Coordinator baabkj@michigan.gov

Is their any independent information on the validity and reliability of COMPAS?