Probation, Corrections, and Parole

Corrections

When sex offenders are sentenced to prison, the state's department of corrections (DOC) or the Federal Bureau of Prisons assumes responsibility for their supervision.⁸⁰

Read on for information about—

• What corrections does.
• How corrections helps victims.

What Corrections Does

To place offenders in the most appropriate facility (minimum, medium, or maximum security), DOC reviews court cases and sentences, pre-sentence investigation reports, victim impact statements, and recommendations for treatment and services during incarceration. DOC (or the Federal Bureau of Prisons) houses offenders, implements and monitors their work responsibilities, makes educational and treatment activities available to them, and coordinates their release into the community with paroling authorities.⁸¹

Correctional treatment agents work in jails, prisons, or parole or probation agencies. In jails and prisons, they evaluate the progress of inmates. They also work with inmates, probation officers, and other agencies to develop parole and release plans. When offenders are eligible for release, agents provide case reports to parole boards.⁸²

How Corrections Helps Victims

Victim service programs are found in state corrections' departments and the federal correctional system. Generally, these programs⁸³—

• Obtain relevant victim information, including victim impact statements and protection orders, from court documentation and include it in the offender's file.
• Give victims contact information for assistance and protection that they can access 24/7.
• Protect the confidentiality of victim information through protected automated databases or "flags" on paper files that delineate that this information is not available to inmates or their counsel.
• Provide victims and witnesses with information and recourse relevant to inmates who attempt to intimidate, harass, or harm the victim during their period of incarceration.
• Upon request, notify victims of an offender's status, including current location, classification, potential release date, escape, or death.
• Implement and monitor victim/offender programming, such as victim impact panels.
• Ensure that inmates receive programming ordered by the court, such as sex offender treatment and alcohol and drug counseling.
• Coordinate the physical location and logistics of parole release hearings with paroling authorities, victims, and victim service providers.
• Provide information and referrals to victims who require assistance.
• Participate in multidisciplinary efforts with other entities to ensure a seamless delivery of services to victims of crime.