Question 1
Question
Caseload of a Probation Officer:
Answer
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in Ontario, approx. 1,000 probation officers supervise approx. 60,000 individuals (majority -adults)
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young people (12-17) are actively supervised as extra-judicial sanctions, probation cases & open custody residents
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adults (18+) are probationers, conditional sentence cases & provincial parolees
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none
Question 2
Question
Most are supervised on a [blank_start]probation[blank_end] order:
a legal document requiring the offender to comply with certain probation conditions for a specific period of time
(adult probation cannot exceed [blank_start]3[blank_end] years)
Question 3
Question
[blank_start]Probation[blank_end] orders have 3 standard conditions:
1. the offender shall keep the peace & be of good behaviour
2. the offender shall appear before the [blank_start]court[blank_end] when required to do so by the court
3. the offender shall notify the court or the probation officer in advance of any change of name, adress & promptly notify court or probation officer of change of employment
Answer
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Probation
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conditional
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secure
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court
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justice of the peace
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judicial courts
Question 4
Question
Ensuring the conditions of probation are observed:
-[blank_start]enforcement[blank_end] of probation conditions is an important part of a probation officer's job
-According to Criminal Code, a person has breached probation when he has failed or refused to comply with a probation condition "without [blank_start]reasonable excuse[blank_end]"
-PO makes final say on whether or not they breached probation order
-rarely charge an offender who missed 1 or 2 appointments, however, if [blank_start]pattern[blank_end] develops they will pursue a charge (in exception to high-risk cases- pursue charge at concern of safety of public)
Reasonable Excuse- [blank_start]mental health[blank_end] problems, not understanding why to keep appointments, PO has to preform other supervision
Answer
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enforcement
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reasonable excuse
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pattern
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mental health
Question 5
Question
Community Service Work:
Answer
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can cause problems for offenders with full-time jobs & other responsibilities
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even more problematic with sex offenders & persons with disabilities - difficult to place in community service agency
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Charlene, 36, full time job, didn't complete community service hours because of job & child, wasn't charged because she made reasonable effort
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David, 20, sporadic work, failed to preform hours for first 3 months, then only completed 36/100, was charged with not completing community service work
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is the most common form of probation used in Canada
Question 6
Answer
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when amount of money is small & offenders can pay, restitution is paid and no enforcement is necessary
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if amount is large and offender is unable to pay, he is set up for failure & enforcement for breach
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Courts restitution condition reads: to pay restitution at a monthly rate until it is paid in full
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when it is successful, it communicates a lesson for the offender & provides victims with a sense of closure
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is a negative action, especially when they cannot pay
Question 7
Question
Enforcing Conditions that restrict an offender's [blank_start]lifestyle[blank_end]:
-easiest violations of probation to prove are also most difficult to obtain convictions:
[blank_start]Lifestyle[blank_end] conditions include:
-requiring offender to abstain from alcohol & drugs
-requiring them to see a mental health professional on regular basis
*[blank_start]violations[blank_end] are often discovered by police (picking them up drunk) or the PO (determining clients compliance with health care professional)
-cases with high-risk offenders, high need offenders or persons with serious charges require more intensive supervision from PO
within past 5 years, procedures regarding supervision of sex offenders & domestic assault offenders, mental health and substance abuse cases have become stringent (stressing ongoing contact with offenders, victims & treatment agencies)
Answer
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lifestyle
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life
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daily activities
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Lifestyle
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routine life
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Routine in a day
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violations
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issues
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conditions
Question 8
Question
Conditional Sentence offenders:
Answer
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conditional sentences (1996) introduced as an additional sentencing option to fill void between probation & incarceration
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have committed crimes that warrant imprisonment, but court does not consider them threatening to community (allowed to serve sentence at home)
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can include house arrest (issues with this, finding work)
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reporting condition is mandatory
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breach has occurred, judge has 4 options: 1. take no action 2, change optional conditions 3. suspend conditional sentence & direct offender to custody 4. terminate conditional sentence & direct them to serve sentence in full in custody
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means a conditional release of prison
Question 9
Question
maximum period for young person probation is 2 years
Question 10
Question
In terms of Young persons & the courts:
Answer
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Probation order usually doesn't affect youth behaviour at home (parents complain, not PO's problem)
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they impose as few conditions as possible on young persons, favouring restorative & rehabilitative aspects of probation
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youth behaviour considered if probation condition = "amendable to the routine and discipline in the family home"
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all of the above
Question 11
Question
Successes:
Rick- [blank_start]25[blank_end] years old, factory worker convicted of assault
-placed on probation for 1 year
-reported regularly & [blank_start]complied[blank_end] with conditions
-he completed probation and moved to live with sister (success)
Question 12
Question
Probation officers are responsible for ensuring offenders comply with their [blank_start]conditions[blank_end], returning them to court if conditions are [blank_start]violated[blank_end], providing [blank_start]support[blank_end], counselling & direction to assist in [blank_start]rehabilitation[blank_end] (reducing recidivism) & keeping public [blank_start]safe[blank_end] at all times
Answer
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violated
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conditions
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support
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rehabilitation
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safe