Mandatory Treatment, Specialty Caseloads, and Parole Officer Interactions.

• In Event: Integrating Justice and Care: Mental Health, Supervision, Reentry, and Recovery for Vulnerable Populations

Abstract

Addressing mental illness remains a challenge for individuals on parole and supervising agencies. Research has focused on probation, limiting our understanding of how to best support persons on parole. Using administrative records in a southern state of over 25,000 individuals on parole, 2018-2023, this study examines the relationships between a new felony arrest - within three years of parole - and being mandated to receive mental health treatment, being placed on a mental health caseload, and parole officer interactions (e.g., affirmative interactions, punitive interactions). Results suggest individuals mandated to receive mental health services are at higher risk of being rearrested. Being placed on a mental health caseload did not reduce the risk of being rearrested. The number of affirmative interactions (e.g., reinforcement, problem-solving) was associated with decreased odds of being rearrested. The number of punitive interactions (e.g., verbal or written reprimands) was associated with increased odds of rearrest. These results suggest a need for further examination of how mandated treatment impacts individuals' supervision experience, the role of mental health supervision, and the impact of interactions between those on parole and supervising officers.

Authors

• Daniel Michael Applegarth, University at Buffalo

• Rebecca Rasnake, University at Buffalo

• Nicholas Powell, Georgia Department of Community Supervision

• LaSasha Bowden, Georgia Department of Community Supervision

• Bria Cross, Georgia Department of Community Supervision