Is Probation Working?: A Guide for Managers and Methodologists

This book represents an attempt to assess the impact of a sentencing alternative which, to date, has not received scrutiny proportionate to its role in criminal sentencing. While the literature reviewed here focuses on studies of adult probation, studies of juvenile probationers are also included, as the issues presented have concurrent validity for both groups. In order to properly evaluate the performance of any sentencing strategy it is, of course, necessary to establish an agreed upon criterion of success. Chapter 1 is devoted to this issue and discovers that universal criteria are non-existent.