The Refocused Probation Home Visit: A Subtle But Revolutionary Change

Abstract

Field activities have long been viewed as basic to the probation supervision process. Historically, field visits have been utilized both in the control/law enforcement function of probation work as well as in the treatment/social service function. It was long believed that home visits should be made in all cases, and with great frequency. Probation agencies, however, are now experiencing dramatic practice changes including unprecedented workload growth, increased numbers of “difficult” probationers, and an emerging issue of officer safety. To cope with these changes, agencies are limiting visits to high risk cases and utilizing them solely for control/law enforcement purposes. The changed nature of the field visit may be consistent with a more law enforcement oriented probation service. © 1991, Sage Publications. All rights reserved.