Evaluation of a JAIBG-Funded Project: Voice and Location Telephone Monitoring of Juveniles

Abstract

Direct supervision of juvenile probationers is seldom possible in many communities in Alaska due to their remoteness, so alternative supervision strategies are desirable. Electronic monitoring or voice recognition systems can substitute for institutionalization or face-to-face supervision by a probation officer. This report describes and evaluates the use of a voice and location telephone monitoring system for the supervision of juvenile probationers throught the Mat-Su Youth Corrections Office in Palmer. In practice, VALUE — Voice And Location Update Evaluation — was used primarily as a transitional tool for clients "stepping down" from traditional electronic monitoring to release from supervision.