Set Realistic First Goals

When prioritizing, agents should start by taking small steps with offenders. Focusing on drug use, peers, or education status can give attainable goals. It is imperative that when someone sets a course, they have milestones that they can reach in a short period of time. Meeting a few goals quickly builds momentum and self-confidence. This is crucial for the successful movement along the change process.

Build Skills

Skill-enhancement also must be prioritized. Often, offenders are deficient in many different areas of their life. Staff should attempt to identify these deficiencies in each offender and then prioritize which areas the offender needs most. There are a variety of resources available that can assist with skill enhancement. There are treatment interventions, education seminars, etc. that will help offenders learn new skills. Supervision staff should monitor any new pro-social skills offenders demonstrate and provide positive reinforcement.