Implementing Technology to Streamline the Probation Process: A Client’s Facilitator and an Officer’s Barrier

• In Event: Innovations in Community Corrections

Abstract

Technology is often used to help facilitate bidirectional communication. On probation, increased information sharing between client and officer can improve clients’ outcomes through a stronger working alliance. Q2i created the Probation And Reintegration Coach Application (PARCA), including a staff online dashboard and a client mobile app. The system motivates clients to achieve goals with added benefits, such as earning incentives, accessing informational resources, and finding community-based services. Officers can view clients’ goal progression and reward clients with incentives. PARCA was implemented at two Texas sites for evaluation purposes. Using pilot data and ongoing data collection to assess existing routines of officers and needs of clients, the potential usefulness of PARCA to streamline the probation process was examined. Results revealed clients’ perceived PARCA positively, given the multitude of features in one centralized tool. Officers showed greater resistance to using PARCA as a supplement to existing systems and procedures. The case for technology to improve clients’ probation experiences is becoming stronger, but strategies to enhance officers’ enthusiasm about bidirectional use is necessary to increase uptake agency-wide. Strategies to reduce friction with officers should demonstrate the bidirectional benefits of technology, like accessing real-time information on clients’ progress to inform their case management approaches.

Authors

• Lindsay Smith, George Mason University

• Asli Kalayci, Worcester Polytechnic Institute

• Bengisu Tulu, Worcester Polytechnic Institute

• Steven Jenkins, Q2i, LLC

• Faye S. Taxman, Center for Advancing Correctional Excellence, George Mason University