Evaluation of PARCA in Probation Settings: Goal-Setting App Technology Designed to Improve Client Success on Supervision

• In Event: Improving Client Outcomes in Community Corrections

Abstract

Purpose. Nearly five million individuals are on community supervision in America. For the probation population, Q2i developed a Probation And Reintegration Coach Application (PARCA), which includes a probation officer (PO) dashboard connected to a mobile app designed for clients. The platform enables clients to set and manage their goals while on supervision including opportunities to journal their thoughts, access informational resources, and find community services to achieve those goals, and POs can view clients’ goal progression. The PARCA platform was implemented in two Texas counties for efficacy testing purposes. Design. The first phase of the project included 8 POs and 23 clients. The team conducted interviews with POs and their clients to assess the facilitators and barriers to PARCA platform usage after two weeks to assess usability in the probation setting. Findings. Results revealed positive perceptions of the PARCA platform given the potential benefit to the supervision process. If technology issues were experienced, usage motivation reportedly dropped by POs and clients. Some clients reported a strong desire to use the app regardless. Summary. The evidence for app-based technologies to improve the probation experience of clients is mounting, and the practical and policy-level implications of these innovations are important.

Authors

• Lindsay Smith, George Mason University

• Bengisu Tulu, Worcester Polytechnic Institute

• Nick Richardson, RTI International

• Steve Jenkins, Q2i

• Faye Taxman, George Mason University