II. Staff-Offender Contacts

Home Contacts: Environment Assessment

Home contacts allow staff to observe the condition of offenders' dwelling and neighborhood. Awareness of an offender's environment helps staff develop and adjust a supervision plan that addresses the influences, both positive and negative, in the offender's surroundings. The contacts also give staff a chance to observe how the offender views her surroundings and how the surroundings influence an offender.

Seeing the inside of an offender's home offers many clues about her life. Identifying the number of people and children in the home, as well as the criminal history and any possible evidence of substance abuse among those who live or frequent the home, is crucial. Staff should always be looking for information that can help them intervene successfully.