What happens to people after they're released from the Texas criminal justice system? Probation is typically the next step, but what does that process look like and how does it work?
Known legally as "community supervision," probation is a period of time when a person released from the prison system remains free on court-ordered conditions with the oversight of a probation officer.
The process is considered an alternative to incarceration and aims to reduce a previous offender's chances of recidivism, or a return to criminal behavior.
Texas is one of four states that can sentence 17-year-olds accused of a crime to the adult criminal justice system.
Young people on adult felony probation in Texas are less likely to succeed in meeting the conditional terms of their release, according to the Texas Criminal Justice Coalition. A new report suggests that prioritizing educational, vocational and community-based opportunities for youth can improve outcomes.
How are juveniles and young adults in the criminal justice system being impacted by the traditional system?
What is being done to successfully reintroduce adult and juvenile offenders back into society?
How do community programs and local partnerships affect recidivism rates and public safety in Bexar County?
Guests:
- The Honorable Daphne Previti Austin, judge of the 289th Judicial District Court
- Debra Jordan, manager of the Bexar County Reentry Council Program
- Doug Smith, senior policy analyst for the Texas Criminal Justice Coalition
- Michael Gilbert, executive director of the National Association of Community and Restorative Justice
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