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:
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.
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.
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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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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