Probation and parole refer to the privileges that are given to criminals allowing them to avoid or get away from prisons after serving their sentence partially. Probation and parole are aimed at the offender's rehabilitation while ensuring that there are low chances of offenders returning to the prisons (Ellsworth, 1990) . Various scholars and experts have developed different approaches to defining the goals of probation and parole. In defining the goals of probation and parole, it is essential to focus on the definition of the two concepts. Some researchers such as Gray believe that the goals and objectives of probation are conflicting and unclear. According to Abadinsky, the major goals of probation and parole are to rehabilitate the offenders while on the other hand protecting the community (Abadinsky, 2018).
In arriving at a consensus about the role of probation, experts focus on attention to one goal compared to another. Experts try to strike a balance between the two goals as incompatible which hinders officers from performing their duties and responsibilities. Wide literature has emphasized the conflicting nature of goals of probation and parole. Many experts have focused on treatment as a major goal. The objectives of rehabilitation and treatment are supported by Stanley, Hirsch, and Hanrahan. On the other hand, experts such as Dufee and McAnany have different opinions. They believe that the service function being associated with probation needs to be left to agencies that are outside the system of probation (Amadeo, 2018). According to this category of scholars, agencies are better suited to solve nonlegal problems that are experienced by the probationers. In this context, probation is viewed as a legal disposition. In a wide variety of correlational institutions, the existing conflict between treatment and enforcement is reported. In the context of mental health education, Kings and Raynes recognized the difference between patient care and control.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
Theories play an essential role in explaining a concept. Theories provide an ideal opportunity for various researcher s to approach a specific problem arriving at the same or different results. Many phenomenons in society are explained through theories. In probation and parole; theories try to focus on two main points; what motivates people to commit a crime and what discourages people from committing a crime.
The differential theory tends to explain why individuals commit various types of crime. According to this theory, individuals assume crime behavior through learning especially through the interaction of criminals and other deviant people in society. Many of the cases of learned crime do not happen through imitation but rather through intimate personal group interactions. In such cases, criminal offenses from these people can turn chronic (Cohen & Felson, 1979). This theory is supported by cases of criminal juveniles. Many juveniles learn criminal behavior during interacting with follow peers and peer pressure. In many instances, juveniles engage in activities they see their peers engaging in.
The second theory is the social bond theory. This theory tends to focus on what prevents individuals from committing crimes. According to the social bond theory as discussed by Travis assume that crime happens when the social bonds are either broken or weak. Bonds refer to the ties with society and the desire to follow society's norms. According to this theory; bonds can be categorized into four categories; attachment, involvement, commitment, and belief. The breakage of these categories of bonds results in crime. In cases where these bonds remain strong, it is difficult for people to commit a crime. Attachment focuses on the connection between an individual and the peers and family, on the other hand, commitment focuses on time invested by individuals in achieving their goals and targets.
Reference
Ellsworth, T. (1990). Identifying the actual and preferred goals of adult probation. Fed. Probation , 54 , 10.
Abadinsky, H. (2018). Probation and parole: Corrections in the community (13th ed.). New York, NY:Pearson.
Amadeo, K. (2018). What is the history of the American dream? The history that made it possible. Retrievedfrom https://www.thebalance.com/what-is-the-american-dream-quotes-and-history-3306009 .
Cohen, L. E., & Felson, M. (1979). Social change and crime rate trends: A routine activity approach. AmericanSociological Review, 44(4), 588-608.
