The Background and Vision of the Philadelphia Adult Probation and Parole Department

• In Event: Evaluating the Implementation of Evidence-Based Practices in an Adult Probation Department

Abstract

On any given day, the Philadelphia Adult Probation and Parole Department (APPD) supervises approximately 45,000 probationers and parolees serving county sentences. In line with its mission statement, the agency promotes public safety through intervention in the lives of its offenders. APPD also strives to achieve this goal through the adoption of evidence-based practices. Since 2009, the department stratified its supervision protocols according to probationers’ and parolees’ predicted risk for new offending. Over the past few years, APPD has been strengthening its ability to identify and address criminogenic needs. This paper provides background information about the agency and its decision to support this endeavor by seeking a Smart Supervision grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The initial implementation strategy for the effort will also be discussed.

Author

• Jillian Eidson, Philadelphia Adult Probation and Parole Department