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Q&A
DOP's focus on programming and evidence-based practices
0:45:40
ยท
158 sec
Commissioner Holmes discusses the Department of Probation's approach to programming, emphasizing the importance of effectiveness over quantity. She explains how DOP is improving program management and utilization.
- DOP is focusing on getting the right programs rather than having numerous programs.
- New reporting requirements help assess program effectiveness and manage resources better.
- The commissioner clarifies misconceptions about certain programs, such as AIM, and explains how they've improved access to these programs.
Amanda Farias
0:45:40
Under your predecessors, DOP expanded its programmatic array and made evidence based practices and robust programming a core part of DOP's mission.
0:45:49
How does the preliminary plan continue to place programming at the center of DOP's role in the city's criminal justice system?
Juanita Holmes
0:45:57
Programs are essential to DOP, essential to our clients naturally.
0:46:04
I think what's more essential is getting it right, right.
0:46:08
So I don't think having numerous programs means that it's working.
0:46:14
So like I said earlier when I spoke about we're requiring more information from them which is part of the contract and that information is being assessed.
0:46:24
So we this information allows us to have real time knowledge of how many slots are there.
0:46:31
So if a probation officer is going to make a referral to a particular program, that program is not fully occupied, right?
0:46:38
Or if it isn't, they know okay I have two more slots here, I can refer my client.
0:46:42
If not, I pivot to the next program.
0:46:45
Programs are very essential and we have really pulled back on a lot of our programs including let's speak to the AIM program because there was this misconception that there was an AIM light.
0:46:56
That was some language used in the previous administration.
0:46:59
No formal contract, maybe it was a handshake, I don't know what it meant.
0:47:02
But I think that was in place because probation officers didn't realize we can make referrals to AIM.
0:47:10
It was always perceived because it was considered an alternative placement that only judges can place kids in AIM.
0:47:17
From the day I walked in that's what I was told.
0:47:20
When you peel back the contract from 2019 and you look at it, it's not only judges.
0:47:25
We can also refer them to AIM.
0:47:28
So I think that's why they felt they needed a AIM light because they weren't aware that if we feel the AIM program would benefit our client, the probation officer has the autonomy and authority to refer that young person to AIM.
0:47:42
It's not an alternative placement so the numbers are captured differently.
0:47:45
The numbers are captured aim alternative to placement and then aim non alternative to placement, but just that what they're providing would better help our, you know, our young clients.
0:47:57
So that misconception has been ironed out.
0:48:00
AIM has not stopped.
0:48:02
AIM is full throttle.
0:48:03
AIM is expected to expire end of fiscal year.
0:48:07
However, we extended it by a year so it will end next fiscal year and then be open to you know bidding subject to bidding as well.