Smart Probation Grant Program

The Second Chance Act of 2007 provides a comprehensive response to the increasing number of people who are released from prison and jail and returning to communities, including resources to address the myriad needs of these offenders to achieve a successful return to their communities. The FY 2012 appropriations under the Second Chance Act made funding available for Smart Probation projects, in addition to providing federal awards to state and local governments and federally recognized Indian tribes for demonstration reentry projects. The goal of the Smart Probation Program is to improve probation success rates, which will improve public safety, reduce returns to prisons and jails, and save taxpayer dollars. Grant funds can be used to implement evidence-based supervision strategies to improve outcomes for probationers.

The Oregon Department of Corrections will use the grant funds to create an advanced-level training academy for probation/parole officers in Oregon. The academy for probation/parole officers will improve supervision strategies throughout the state by teaching specific skills and interventions proven to reduce recidivism. High and medium risk probationers supervised by more skilled probation officers will complete probation at higher rates and will have lower rates of reconviction than offenders receiving probation as usual. CA/NCF