Although originally perceived as an evidence-based program, there has been a continual debate on the true effectiveness of the graduated sanctions model for probation. Nonetheless, what is missing in the literature is an examination of how this program may affect women under supervision differently than men. Utilizing probation violation hearing data from the Kansas Sentencing Commission (KSSC), this study examines the impact of Kansas’ 2013 House Bill 2170 (HB 2170) on probation outcomes across gender. Results indicate that the use of graduated sanctions scheme through HB 2170 is associated with a higher likelihood of receiving an imprisonment disposition for women probation technical violators than men. Major findings and policy implications will be discussed.
Community supervision increased dramatically since the early 2000s. Similar to trends in prison admissions, the increase has not been equal across racial and ethnic groups. In addition to disparities in placement onto supervision, experiences under supervision and outcomes may also be shaped by intersecting identities. Accordingly, this study examined probation outcomes among 4,433 probation cases in 2018 in Kansas. We assess how race and ethnicity impact outcomes among women and men while controlling for criminogenic risk and need, offense, financial stability, and other factors using multilevel modeling. Results indicate that race and ethnicity were unrelated to probation outcomes for women; however, Black men were subject to the worst odds of probation outcomes. Policy and future research implications are discussed.
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