Discuss the probation population in the United States today. ...

[pepyto]

Discuss the probation population in the United States today. Specifically, discuss who is more likely to be on probation, what offenses are probationers more likely to have committed, and what states have the majority of probationers.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Discuss the TASC program.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

[trampas]

Answer to Question 1

There are more than 4 million adults on probation in the United States today. Most probationers are concentrated in a few states, including Georgia, Texas, California, Ohio, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. Probationers account for more than half the growth in the correctional population since 1990 . White males make up more than half of the adults on probation, and 50 percent of all probationers have been convicted of a felony, including drug offenses, property offenses, and violent offenses. Also, 76 percent of probationers are male. Illegal drug use is a problem for probationers. Probationers are more likely than others to have mental health problems. High rates of injection drug use and risky sexual behavior also result in many probationers testing HIV positive.

Answer to Question 2

TASC stands for treatment alternatives to street crime. This program is the most widespread of the various national programs that have been designed to divert drug abusers away from the criminal justice system and into other agencies that offer specialized support services. In TASC, there is a screening unit that attempts to identify drug users entering the criminal justice system and to offer the program to those who are eligible. The intake unit then diagnoses each offender referred to it and recommends the appropriate treatment program. The tracking unit then closely monitors the progress of the client. Those who violate are returned to the criminal justice system for the appropriate action. TASC programs are a cost-effective way of delivering treatment because of their ability to identify and link appropriate services to drug-involved individuals.