What support systems were available for clients moving back into the community? In your best judgment, were these support systems adequate for Robert?

Question

While working as a probation officer for the U.S. District Courts, Megan Romanowski, BSW, was given the task of supervising parolee Robert Sanchez. Robert adjusted well to the community setting—he had a stable job and living situation—and even developed a good working relationship with Megan. But when Robert was involved in another robbery, Megan was forced to make a decision about what to recommend to the judge regarding his sentence.

Answer 1

Clients within the criminal justice system had to locate support systems available through the assistance of their probation officer. In this case the halfway house provided a supportive environment for the client to re-enter society. Assistance in locating a place of employment and a stable living environment were important steps to a client’s self-sufficiency. The staff at the halfway house assisted the clients in these important steps. Many times the support systems the clients had before going to prison were relationships with family or friends that resulted in criminal behavior.
Discuss with students if, in their best judgment, Robert had adequate support systems for moving back into the community. Consider the framework developed by Wandrei and Karls (1994): economic/basic needs system; educational/training system; judicial/legal system; health, safety, and social services system; voluntary association system; and affectional support system.