The team of a year-old program designed to keep federal probationers from going back to prison is made up of U.S. District Judge Ortrie Smith, federal probation officers, legal professionals and service providers. This group of dedicated individuals has one goal in mind - to help approximately 20 federal probationers considered to be a high risk for recidivism to stay out of prison.
Federal probationers, like their state counterparts, must comply with a strict set of rules and regulations, if they do not want to be sent back to prison. Probation violations range from testing positive for illegal substances, to failing to report to one’s probation officer as required. In past years a probationer could be sent back for not being employed. This rule has been somewhat relaxed, as jobs are scarce, and probation officers realize those with a criminal history have a harder time finding gainful employment.
According to The Kansas City Star only about one-third of federal probationers recidivate. The Missouri federal reentry court program seeks out some probationers who are considered to be likely candidates for recidivism, and offers support to those trying to stay drug free or sober and who are trying to find a job. Not all of those tapped for reentry court succeed, but for those who do their term of probation can be cut.
While having months deducted from one’s term of probation can be an incentive to complete the program, the reward of learning how to take control of one’s life can be exhilarating. The program participants realize they are not alone, and a sense of trust gradually builds between client and probation officer. Besides federal probation officers, reentry court participants receive support from lawyers and community organizations. Those who choose to accept this help have a better chance of succeeding than those who choose otherwise. Staying out of prison becomes the norm for those once on the brink of becoming another sad statistic in the revolving door of recidivism.
Source: The Kansas City Star, 04/01/11
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