How multi-agency are Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Committees?

This article reports on the observations of a combined level 2 and 3 Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Committee (MARAC) over a 12 month period. It considers agency representation and discusses this in respect to attendance and the nature of relationships between representatives. The key findings are structured around the experiences of three identifiable groups of panel members and leads to a discussion of how the status of agencies and the informal roles adopted by the different members are defined by power relationships based on possession of knowledge. These relationships reflect cultural traditions in working with high risk offenders, but are also shaped by statutory responsibilities placed on different agencies within the MARAC forum.

How multi-agency are Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Committees?

This article reports on the observations of a combined level 2 and 3 Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Committee (MARAC) over a 12 month period. It considers agency representation and discusses this in respect to attendance and the nature of relationships between representatives. The key findings are structured around the experiences of three identifiable groups of panel members and leads to a discussion of how the status of agencies and the informal roles adopted by the different members are defined by power relationships based on possession of knowledge. These relationships reflect cultural traditions in working with high risk offenders, but are also shaped by statutory responsibilities placed on different agencies within the MARAC forum.

Resources

Book Review: Crime and Economics: An Introduction

In court

A survey of existing program strategies for offenders with intellectual and developmental disabilities under correctional supervision in Pennsylvania

Mental institutions housed individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I&DD) until the 1960s. Community-based alternatives became the preferred treatment method to relieve overcrowding and declining living conditions. This movement towards deinstitutionalization had several unintended consequences, including placing responsibility on the criminal justice system to serve as mental health providers. This study examines treatment programs for offenders with intellectual and developmental disabilities in county jails and probation and parole offices in Pennsylvania to examine current treatment models. The research examines the extent of programming for individuals with I&DD and provides recommendations for improving service provision for this growing population of offenders.

Book Review: Where Next for Criminal Justice?

A survey of existing program strategies for offenders with intellectual and developmental disabilities under correctional supervision in Pennsylvania

Mental institutions housed individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I&DD) until the 1960s. Community-based alternatives became the preferred treatment method to relieve overcrowding and declining living conditions. This movement towards deinstitutionalization had several unintended consequences, including placing responsibility on the criminal justice system to serve as mental health providers. This study examines treatment programs for offenders with intellectual and developmental disabilities in county jails and probation and parole offices in Pennsylvania to examine current treatment models. The research examines the extent of programming for individuals with I&DD and provides recommendations for improving service provision for this growing population of offenders.

Supporting imprisoned mothers and their children: A call for evidence

Maternal imprisonment can disrupt the mother–child relationship, resulting in social, emotional and physical consequences for both mothers and their children. There are a number of programmes that seek to foster this relationship during imprisonment. However, research to date can only comment on any short term impact of these programmes. On the basis of a review of the existing research, this article argues that a much stronger evidence base is needed, particularly in relation to the longer term impact of prison programmes that support the mother–child relationship. With many mothers typically resuming their parenting responsibilities post-release, we must be clear that these programmes provide women with the foundation, knowledge and skills to support and strengthen their family relationships upon release.

In court

Next Page »