• How We Partner
• Prevention Services & Programs
• Juvenile Justice Outcomes Overview

Juvenile Services Partners

• Community Partners Contact List
• Juvenile Community Corrections
• Juvenile Corrections Advisory Board
• Juvenile Detention Centers
• Juvenile Intake & Assessment
• Kansas Advisory Group on Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention

How Juvenile Services Partners with Kansas Communities

A major initiative of the juvenile justice reform act is based on the development of a strong state and local partnership. Juvenile Services works closely with county governments and community-based agencies in the implementation and operation of juvenile justice services at the local level.

Each judicial district is required to have three core programs operational at the local level:

• Juvenile Intake and Assessment (JIAS)
• Juvenile Intensive Supervision Probation (JISP)
• Community Case Management (CCMA)

The KDOC distributes funds to the administrative county in each judicial district for the operation of these programs. Technical assistance is provided by the KDOC to assist districts in the delivery of services to youth who come in contact with these community based juvenile justice programs. Standards and procedures are developed to provide guidance in the operation of these programs.

Prevention Services and Programs

A major initiative of the Juvenile Justice Reform Act is the development of prevention programs as a part of the continuum of juvenile justice services. Prior to 1997, this had not been a focus of the juvenile justice system. Research at the national level indicates that prevention programming for at-risk youth and first time offenders can be highly effective in reducing juvenile crime and preventing the increasing long term cost of repeat offending. The KDOC supports and assists communities in developing successful programs that will help reduce risk factors and enhance protective factors. Communities are encouraged to create partnerships with other agencies that have a key interest in prevention focused services (schools, regional prevention centers, community mentoring programs) in order to maximize both funding and program capabilities. Prevention programs cover a wide range of service needs at the community level.

These programs target youth who are in need of pro-social adult role models to address adolescent behavior problems. College students, community volunteers, members of the business community, school personnel, and others provide positive social and material reinforcement to youth, allowing them to be connected to adults who promote healthy beliefs and clear standards. These programs offer opportunities for youth to interact with pro-social adults and peers and learn new skills in a safe, supportive environment.

Programs such as mentoring, after school programs, and recreation programs address several risk factors: early and persistent antisocial behavior, friends who engage in problem behavior, lack of commitment to school, and rebelliousness.

Juvenile Justice Outcomes Overview

The KDOC believes that programs, which receive state and federal funding need to be held accountable to ensure programs are programmatically sound and cost effective.

The community planning process uses the Communities That Care prevention strategy which is outcome based. Communities are trained to measure and calculate outcomes of each program.

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• Northern Parole Region
• Southern Parole Region
• Interstate Compact

Parole Services  

This division supervises offenders released from Kansas correctional facilities on parole, post-release supervision or conditional release. This division also manages offenders released from other states and who are on probation or parole and for whom Kansas has accepted for Interstate Compact supervision.

In FY 2012, 5,848 offenders were under supervision in Kansas including 4,140 Kansas cases and 1,708 out-of-state compact cases. To assist these offenders with returning to their communities as law-abiding citizens, parole services employs a community-based, case management model.

Kansas is divided into two regions, northern and southern, with parole offices operating in 20 communities. A parole director, who reports to the Deputy Secretary of Community and Field Services, oversees each region.

An offender's level of supervision and case management are determined through the use of classification tools such as the Level of Services Inventory - Revised (LSIR). Classification assessments also assist in determining an offender's programming needs and resource referrals.

During supervision, offenders may encounter reintegration difficulites or lifestyle issues which are addressed through post-release case managment. Common challenges are housing, transportation and substance abuse issues.

When violations of supervision conditions occur, parole officers utilize interventions and make referrals to needed resources. Serious violations that represent public safety risks result in the offender being returned to a correctional facility.

Offenders serving determinate sentences generally serve 90 to 180 days upon revocation, as determined by state statute.

Offenders serving indeterminate sentences serve a period of time that is established by the Kansas Prisoner Review Board.

Parole Locations & Contact Information
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The Prisoner Review Board conducts monthly Public Comment Sessions in the cities of Derby, Topeka and Kansas City.  These sessions provide an opportunity to allow victims, family, public officials, community members, and other interested persons to express their support, opposition, concern, or comments regarding the potential parole of offenders who are scheduled for parole hearings the following month.

In addition to the Board members, a representative from the KDOC Office of Victim Services will be in attendance at each session to provide instructions and assistance. 

Notice of the Public Comment Sessions and a list of parole eligible offenders are posted at: Public Comment Sessions.  Public officials including District Attorneys, Victim/Witness Coordinators and other related correctional agencies across the State also receive notice of Public Comment Sessions.  Victims registered through the Department of Corrections Office of Victim Services will receive direct and confidential notification of these sessions (K.S.A. 74-7335). 

Instructions for completing a written comment form

Please use the offender's name, number and facility if known.  On the relationship line, please note your association to the offender.  Use the comment lines to provide the Board information not already included in the offender's file.  The Board will have information available on institutional adjustment and programs, therefore you will not need to cover these areas unless you have additional information.

Commenting in opposition of parole:

• Please discuss the present physical, psychological, emotional and/or financial impact of the offenders actions against you, your family member and/or your friend.
• State any special conditions you would like the Board to consider in the event that the offender is granted parole.

Commenting in support of parole:

• Please list specific ways in which you can provide assistance to the offender in the community if parole is granted (i.e. residence, job, transportation).
• Discuss changes you have observed in the offender.
• Note any of the offender's potential risk areas or concerns.
 

The Public Comment Form is provided in portable document format (.pdf) to allow you the option to download, print, fax, mail or e-mail your comments to the Prisoner Review Board. 

• Public Comments Form - Support Release

• Public Comments Form - Oppose Release

The Online Public Comment Form may be used to electronically send your comments to the Prisoner Review Board.

• Online Comment Form