Improving Domestic Violence Responses in Rhode Island
Probation and parole officers are limited in their DV training and
resources they can provide to clients.
Probation and parole officers could benefit from a more robust
DV training curriculum.
Officers receive basic training related to the
definition of DV, dynamics of abuse, applicable
statutes, and typical characteristics of
individuals who have perpetrated DV offenses.
There are no ongoing coaching or training
opportunities required.
Officer training could benefit from more
opportunities for troubleshooting issues and
interactive content, role playing, and
questions. Officers cited a need for increased
education related to strategies for working with
individuals who exhibit controlling, violent,
and/or manipulative behavior.
回
Officers do not receive standardized
training on working with DV victims
and survivors, though all officers
with a DV-specific caseload reported
having had contact with DV victims
and survivors.
Standardized DV training and
education does not exist for RIDOC
staff beyond probation and parole,
such as facility correctional officers.
DV-specific probation and parole officers are challenged by
caseloads with varying access to resources.
DV-specific probation and parole officers report caseloads often exceeding 100 clients.
Several probation and parole supervisors estimated that DV caseload sizes surpass
general caseload sizes.
The RIDOC Reentry Services unit has worked hard to create support for individuals
exiting RIDOC facilities to community supervision, but further support is needed. Many
individuals exiting RIDOC facilities struggle with food insecurity, have limited
transportation, and/or are at risk of homelessness.
Resources available for officers to provide to individuals related to basic needs
(housing, clothing, transit, etc.), as well as employment, BH, and BIP vary extensively by
geographic location.
Intercept 4 Recap
Intercept 4 Recap
The Council of State Governments Justice Center, “Interventions in the Community, Incarceration, and Community Corrections"
(PowerPoint presentation, Third Presentation to the Domestic Violence Response Justice Reinvestment Working Group, March
21, 2023).
The Council of State Governments Justice Center | 6View entire presentation