Division of Criminal Justice Services

Welcome to eFocus, an electronic newsletter produced by the NYS DCJS’ Office of Probation and Correctional Alternatives (OPCA).  OPCA publishes this newsletter to further its goal of promoting public safety through probation services and other community corrections programs. We welcome your suggestions. 
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eFocus, Issue Number 105, April 27, 2012
New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services 
Office of Probation and Correctional Alternatives
Robert M. Maccarone, Deputy Commissioner and Director
Nicole A. Aldi, Editor
http://www.criminaljustice.ny.gov/opca

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In this Issue:
           
1.         Probation NYCOMPAS Recidivism Study
2.         Probation Violation Residential Centers’ Population Expanded
3.         Probation Supervision Rule Training Advances 
4.         Rights of the Participant-Train the Trainer
5.         Additional Training, Awards, Events and News
6.         Quick Facts

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1.         Probation NYCOMPAS Recidivism Study – The DCJS Office of Justice Research and Performance has just completed an extensive recidivism study involving a sample population of nearly 14,000 probationers that were studied over a two-year period.   Dr. Sharon Lansing, Ph. D, examined the outcomes associated with the probationer sample population assessed by the 57 county probation departments outside of New York City that utilize the NYCOMPAS risk and need assessment instrument.  The recidivism study strongly supported the capacity of New York’s probation actuarial risk and need assessment instrument to predict offender recidivism and accurately describe probationer risk by decile scores.  This study is particularly important and timely as New York State probation prepares to implement its new Probation Supervision Rule.  Today, nearly 2,400 probation officers have completed 200,000 NYCOMPAS assessments, essential to the identification of offender risk and needs, and the development of probationer case plans with specific goals, objectives, and tasks directed at effectuating behavioral change. On March 27, 2012, 112 participants logged into a Live Meeting presentation hosted by Dr. Sharon Lansing, Ph.D,.  This presentation can be viewed in the eJustice Probation Services Suite (Reference Materials > Risk/Need Assessment) and in the handouts section of the Live Meeting site found at: COMPAS Recidivism Study Presentation.  For more information, please contact Gary Govel at Gary. Govel@dcjs.ny.gov or (518) 457-4336.

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2.         Probation Violation Residential Centers’ (PVRC) Population Expanded – OPCA is pleased to announce its intent to expand the eligible population that may be served by its PVRC’s.  The NYS 2012/13 Budget includes authorizing language that enables OPCA to expand the eligible population that may be served to include community corrections participants.  OPCA will begin the implementation of the expanded program model in both of the New York City PVRC’s to include individuals convicted of felony offenses who are participating in ATI Programs who are at risk of program violation/termination.  Palladia Inc., and BASICS, will provide short- term residential, cognitive-based intervention services ranging from 45-180 days.  The Centers employ evidenced based practices including the use of risk and needs assessments, Motivational Interviewing, cognitive behavior interventions and the National Institute of Corrections (NIC) Workforce Development Curricula; “Ready, Set, Work!.”  Services are implemented to stabilize, promote positive change and successful community reintegration.  Each participant attends the NIC “Thinking for a Change”, a 25 lesson cognitive-based intervention.  Both facilities are NYS OASAS licensed and require the individual to have a current or prior history of substance use. Preliminary studies on the effectiveness of the PVRC demonstrate a reduced rate of offender re-arrest. For more information, please contact Yvonne Behan at Yvonne.Behan@dcjs.ny.gov or (518) 485-5153.

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3.         Probation Supervision Rule Training Advances – OPCA is pleased to report success of the two-phase series of trainings on the proposed new Probation Supervision Rule.   Phase One of the training plan, designed for probation management and trainers, is being delivered through eight on-site regional trainings conducted during March, April, May, and June of 2012.   Phase Two, designed specifically for line staff, will include four, two-hour LiveMeeting Trainings during the months of May and June.  Both phases of the training address the history and context of the supervision rule; new and revised definitions; case assignment; initial interview and assessment; case planning; supervision contact requirements; reassessment; inter/intra-state transfer; and case terminations and closings.  The training also addressed new concepts including Juvenile Contact Substitution, Stabilization Periods, and Merit Credit Activities.  Five of the eight regional training sessions have been completed in Dutchess, Albany, Monroe, Onondaga, and Chemung Counties;    Suffolk County (Wednesday, May 23, 2012), NYC Department (Thursday, May 24, 2012); and  Westchester County (Thursday June 13, 2012) regional trainings remain.  Phase Two   Live-Meeting training sessions are scheduled for: Thursday, May 31, 2012 – 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.; Wednesday, June 6, 2012 -- 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.; Tuesday, June 12, 2012 -- 10 a.m. -12 p.m.; Friday, June 22, 2012 – 1 p.m. -3 p.m.  In addition, OPCA will be providing training at this year’s NYS POA Annual Conference scheduled for August 8-10, 2012 in Albany. To register please contact Gail Roy at Gail.Roy@DCJS.ny.gov.  For additional information, please contact Patti Donohue at Patricia.Donohue@DCJS.ny.gov or (518) 485-5168.

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4.         Rights of the Participant-Train the Trainer – OPCA is pleased to provide, in collaboration with the Legal Action Center, Inc., a Train-the-Trainer program on the RIGHTS OF THE PARTICIPANT TRAINING for Probation and ATI training staff and supervisors. This training focuses on the rights and collateral consequences of persons involved with or having had involvement in the criminal justice system.  Successful completion of this training will enable attendees to train the Rights of the Program Participant, a module of learning offered within the Fundamentals of Community Corrections (FCC) curriculum. This training will be held May 21, 2012 at the Monroe County Public Safety Training Facility, Rochester, NY from 10:30am to 12:30pm. For more information please contact Nancy Andino, at Nandino@probation.nyc.gov or (718) 876-7658. To register please complete the registration form attached to the March 22, 2012 memorandum and return to Dorothy Ray at Dorothy.Ray@dcjs.ny.gov by May 11, 2012.

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5.         Additional Training, Awards, Events and News

~    Thirty one participants completed the first week of the 180-hour Offender Workforce Development Specialist (OWDS) training at DJCS offices in Albany the week of March 19-23.  Staff from community organizations and Alternatives to Incarceration programs across New York State joined with NYS DOCCS staff and Probation Officers in beginning this National Institute of Corrections curriculum.  Twelve competency areas are covered in the training to prepare these professionals to assist individuals with obtaining gainful employment, utilizing the Ready, Set, Work! job readiness group curriculum with individuals under criminal justice supervision.  The subsequent training sessions are scheduled for April 30 – May 4 and June 11-14.  For additional information, contact Cynthia Blair at Cynthia.Blair@dcjs.ny.gov or (518) 485-5145.

~  On March 20, 2012, OPCA in partnership with the Office of Program Development and Funding and the Financial Services Grant Unit conducted its first Live Meeting of a series designed to provide guidance and instruction on various topics related to Leandra’s Law.  There were a total of 87 participants who logged onto the Live Meeting and 92% indicated that the meeting helped them to have a better understanding of the Monitors Quarterly reporting process.  If you would like to view the Live Meeting, it is now available on eJusticeNY in the Probation Suite.   If you have any questions or want more information you can contact Patricia M. Hogan at Patricia.Hogan@dcjs.ny.gov or (518) 485-8855.

~    New York State Interstate Compact Office was audited by the Interstate Commission for      Adult Offender Supervision (ICAOS) National Office in February 2011, and “re-audited”      in February 2012. The results of this most recent audit reflect measurable progress, due In large part to the hard work of our local jurisdictions and the OPCA Interstate Unit. The      introduction of monthly “comp stat” Live Meetings has had a significant impact on our state’s work with localities.  The next Live Meeting is scheduled for May 17, 2012, 10 am-12 pm. For more information; please contact Deputy Compact Administrator Matthew Charton at Matthew.Charton@dcjs.ny.gov or (518)-485-2402.

~  DCJS is developing a PSI Repository within its New York Offender Adult Data Sharing Initiative, the purpose of which is to obtain the PSI and certain data elements collected during the investigation process electronically and then share that information electronically with agencies authorized by law to view such information.  Five probation departments with Caseload Explorer, Jefferson, Tompkins, Saratoga, Suffolk and Tompkins are currently engaged in pilot testing this Repository. Although sharing of information electronically requires a certain level of uniformity, it is important to balance this uniformity with local PSI preparation practice. For additional information, you can contact Thomas Slater at Thomas.Slater@dcjs.ny.gov or (518) 485-7692. 

~  A week of Celebration and Recognition!  The American Probation and Parole Association (APPA) announces Probation, Parole, and Community Supervision Week; July 15-21, 2012.  This year’s theme is Yesterday. Today. Tomorrow., focusing on the diligent work of Probation, Parole, and Community Supervision throughout the decades and the progress in community safety these agencies have made.  Please see the APPA website for more information http://www.appa-net.org/eweb
~ Motivational Interviewing in Corrections: A Comprehensive Guide to Implementing MI in Corrections authors sat with DC Public Safety television and radio show host Leonard Sipes last month to discuss the positive effects of using motivational interviewing (MI) with offenders. Bradford Bogue, Director of Justice System Assessment and Training, and Anjali Nandi, Director of the Center for Change, spoke about the core components needed to make motivational interviewing successful, which includes a commitment to the spirit of MI.  Listen to the full half-hour broadcast online or download a copy of the transcript.
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6.   Quick Facts:  Probation Departments have completed 23,641 case plans utilizing the NYCOMPAS Risk and Need Assessment Instrument.   
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eFocus is the property of the Office of Probation and Correctional Alternatives.  Articles may be reprinted with attribution to the Office.  For more information on any of the topics mentioned above, to report any difficulties you may have experienced receiving this email, or, if you have information you would like posted in the next issue of OPCA's eFocus, please contact Nicole Aldi at (518) 485-8457 or Nicole.Aldi@dcjs.ny.gov.

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The eFocus is now distributed to thousands of community corrections professionals across New York State.  You may receive more than one copy if your name and email address appear on different criminal justice and community corrections mailing lists.  If so, please e-mail Nicole Aldi the name you would like removed from distribution.

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