ABSTRACT
There have been a significant number of changes in community corrections over the past 30 years. Probation and parole officers are becoming more skilled and are being asked to effect change in others. This move has been recognized throughout the country and is slowly being embraced. Another significant change over the past 30 years is the public’s awareness of the collateral consequences that being involved with the criminal justice system can have on someone in the long term. This chapter explores five specific themes that corrections is facing in the next 5 years. First, the concept of money bail is discussed and alternatives presented. Second, the chapter explores the collateral consequences of convictions and discusses ways in which the United States could minimize the negative effects. Third, there is a new-found interest in understanding the racial, ethnic, and gender disparities found in the criminal justice system. Fourth, the chapter discusses the current size of probation and parole and presents several strategies to reduce the footprint. Last, the chapter provides clear steps on how the system can be transformed even more to continue to address the needs of offenders under supervision.
