The Crime and Justice Institute (CJI) recently had the privilege of presenting three sessions to packed rooms at the American Probation and Parole Association’s (APPA) 2025 Winter Institute in Las Vegas. This event brought together probation and parole practitioners, agency leaders, and other professionals from across the country to explore the latest strategies, important developments, and innovations in community supervision. CJI’s sessions provided valuable evidence-based insights into improving probation and parole practices with a focus on actionable, data-driven approaches.
Our Experts
CJI presenters–Deputy Director Valerie Meade, Manager Caitlin Flood, and Senior Data and Policy Specialist Maja Vlajnic–each bring a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field of community supervision. Applying their diverse backgrounds and expertise, they led dynamic and engaging sessions that resonated with the audience. Whether it was translating the National Standards for Community Supervision into practice, discussing methods to enhance organizational development, or addressing the challenge of absconding, these leaders provided insights into opportunities to improve community supervision nationwide.
Key Takeaways from CJI’s Sessions
A key focus of these discussions was exploring the challenges faced by individuals in the field when implementing large-scale changes, such as organization-wide supervision standards. The success of these sessions stemmed not only from attendees sharing their best practices and vision for the future but also from their openness in discussing the obstacles they’ve encountered. These candid conversations are invaluable, as they will continue to help CJI and our partners refine resources and inspire all stakeholders to push forward in advancing the field.
- From Vision to Reality: Implementing National Standards of Community Supervision Through Successful Organizational Development
One of the standout moments at the APPA conference was when APPA Executive Director/CEO Veronica Cunningham shared an exciting update about the upcoming Organizational Development White Paper currently under development in collaboration with CJI and APPA. In her remarks, she expressed gratitude to CJI and acknowledged the “amazing individuals from agencies across America” who came together over the past four years to create the groundbreaking National Standards for Community Supervision. She also outlined plans for future training and accreditation initiatives, underscoring the importance of continued innovation and excellence in the field.
CJI understands that one of the most critical aspects of implementing national standards is ensuring that an organization’s structure and culture are aligned with these goals. Our session provided a roadmap for achieving this alignment, offering tools and strategies for successful organizational development. Participants left with a deeper understanding of how to navigate the complexities of changing systems to better meet national standards for community supervision.
- Transforming Standards into Practice: A Guide for Community Supervision Agencies
During this interactive intensive workshop session, we discussed a practical approach to understanding each standard’s purpose and intent and exploring practical application. Attendees were given clear, actionable steps for implementing evidence-based practices that lead to better supervision outcomes. The session emphasized the importance of aligning agency goals with standards to improve overall community safety and reduce recidivism.
- Thinking Beyond Whereabouts Unknown: Areas of Opportunity to Reduce Absconding
Absconding is one of the most challenging issues faced by probation and parole agencies. In this session, CJI shared findings and considerations from their soon-to-be published analysis of community supervision populations and the circumstances driving violation behavior, inspiring conversations about opportunities to reduce absconding for individuals on community supervision. By thinking beyond traditional methods and utilizing new strategies grounded in data, agencies can tackle this issue more effectively and ensure better outcomes for those under supervision.
The Impact
The sessions, centered on evidence-based strategies, showcased how community supervision agencies can implement real-world improvements that not only enhance supervision methods but also make communities safer and provide individuals under supervision with the tools they need to succeed.
These discussions served as a powerful reminder of the importance of collaboration and the ongoing efforts to refine community supervision practices. With active participation from both practitioners and agency leaders, it’s clear that there is a strong, shared commitment to improving outcomes for both individuals under supervision and the broader community. The conference also featured valuable sessions and presentations from justice-impacted individuals, offering deeper insights into lived experiences and reinforcing the motivation to support others in achieving successful outcomes.
Moving Forward: Embracing Evidence-Based Practices
CJI is proud to continue leading the way in providing innovative, evidence-based strategies to improve community supervision. The APPA 2025 Winter Institute offered a unique opportunity to engage with practitioners and leaders in the field, exchanging ideas that will shape the future of probation and parole practices.
Stay Informed
To learn more about CJI’s work or to stay informed about future events, visit our Community Supervision page and subscribe to our quarterly newsletter, The Crime & Justice Insider. Together, we can create a future where community supervision is more effective, equitable, and impactful for everyone involved.
Connect with Us
For more information about CJI’s Community Supervision efforts, please reach out to Deputy Director Valerie Meade.