Constructing a Framework for Success:

Enhancing Core Competencies for Parole Board Members and Parole Executives

Richard P. StrokerCenter for Effective Public Policy

APAI ConferenceNewport, R.I.April 20, 2009

Overview Brief review of papers being

developed for NIC on significant parole issues Why are they being developed? What topics will be explored?

Outline of the first of these papers - dealing with Core Competencies for Parole Board Members and Parole Executives

Background

There are an extraordinary number of individuals confined in prisons and jails in the U.S. - over 2.3 million.

95% of these individuals will be released to their communities at some time in the future – approximately 700,000 offenders this year alone.

Parole boards and parole agencies play leading roles in determining who, when, and under what conditions, offenders will be released from confinement.

The evolving nature of parole work Extensive research on a variety of topics

– from “what works” at reducing recidivism, to the use of assessment tools that focus on criminogenic needs, to the impact that different interviewing techniques may have on behavior modification – has led to many modifications of parole practices.

Effectively accomplishing parole work in this dynamic field can be a challenge.

Parole as a system partner Beyond the individual case decisions that

will be made, parole boards and parole executives also play critical roles in determining: The philosophies and policies that will drive

parole work, all of which have tremendous resource and other implications for jurisdictions.

How parole will function within a broader criminal justice system.

How parole will operate as an agency of government.

How parole will collaborate with governmental and non-governmental partners

I. Enhancing our professional abilities

The theme of this year’s conference, “Parole as a Bridge to Success,” may focus considerable attention on how we can positively impact the lives of a great many individuals who are involved in our criminal justice systems.

In order to promote successful outcomes for others, practitioners must be knowledgeable, skillful, and have the necessary abilities to be successful in their positions – and to successfully promote effective parole practices. “The problem with most people is not that they aim

to high and miss the mark, but that they aim to low and hit it.” Michaelangelo

A Series of Papers To assist with increasing knowledge,

skills and abilities within the parole profession, NIC has contracted with the Center for Effective Public Policy to develop a series of five papers during 2009 that address critical topics within the parole field.

In addition to aiding practitioners, the papers will be available to Governors and other key government officials to aid them in their understanding of significant issues in the parole field.

The focus of the NIC Parole Papers

With the assistance of an advisory group, NIC and the Center have determined that the following topics will be addressed in the series of papers: Core Competencies for Parole Board

Members and Executives Evidence Based Practices in Parole Strategic Management for Parole Significant Challenges Facing Parole (one further topic is TBD)

II. The first paper – Core Competencies

The first of these papers will focus on Core Competencies for Parole Board Members and Executives.

This paper will provide information to parole professionals that highlights critical information that should be known, and necessary skills and abilities that need to be possessed or developed, by parole board members and executives.

The paper may also assist appointing authorities by aiding them in appreciating the tremendous array of talents that will be needed by individuals who are placed on parole boards or appointed to top positions in parole agencies.

Core Competencies The Core Competencies paper will be

divided into three sections, with each section highlighting specific areas that should be understood or appreciated by parole board members and executives, and indicating the skills and abilities that must be demonstrated in order for these individuals to be successful in their work.

At the end of each section, reference and source materials will be listed to aid practitioners in gaining additional information about the topics discussed.

Core Competencies – 3 areas

The three broad areas addressed in the paper are: Competencies Required In Light of the

Broader Context in which Parole Work is Accomplished

Competencies Required to Promote Success within Parole Organization

Competencies Required to Effectively Discharge Individual Decision Making Responsibilities

“Perfection of process, rather than clarity about our goals, seems to mark our age.” Albert Einstein

a. The Broader Context in which Parole Work is Accomplished

Parole Board Members and Parole Executives play key roles in determining the philosophies, direction, purpose, and nature of parole work in their jurisdictions.

To effectively operate in this broader public policy context, parole practitioners must be able to understand: The goals, objectives and purposes of the

policies and statutes that govern their work; The impact that their actions and activities

have on creating, maintaining or modifying public policy;

The legal foundation of parole work; The circumstances and objectives of key

partners.

b. Promoting success within parole organizations

Parole Board members and Parole Executives must also appreciate the key roles that they play within parole organizations, understanding and demonstrating competencies in the following areas: Creating organizational direction and vision; Establishing policies, training, and structure that

will allow the organization to advance towards its vision;

Engaging in strategic planning; Employing evidence based practices and

appropriate tools in the discharge of parole work.

c. Effectively Discharge Individual Decision Making Responsibilities

Finally, sufficient knowledge, skills and abilities must be possessed by parole board members and executives to assist them in making parole case determinations. This includes the ability to understand and utilize: Appropriate assessment and guideline tools; Effective interviewing techniques; Appropriate general and special conditions; Effective violation response systems

Conclusion The NIC Papers are intended to assist parole

practitioners in sharpening their knowledge and abilities.

They can also serve as a resource tool or training aid, and may assist other key government officials in better understanding significant issues in the parole field.

“Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four hours sharpening the axe.”

A. Lincoln