polygraph for Chapperones

[krenshaw]

Greetings all

My Colleague and I initiated a pilot program 2 years ago in whichwe reequire all chapperone's providing direct supervision to submit to polygraph on "knowledge of any treatment or probation stipulation violations."

We have not formally written this up however the results of this program have been successful on several levels.

1. Local supervision agencies are in full this support

2. The chapperones appear to be more confidnet and invested in their obligation.

3. The offender's appear to be less manipulative of the chapperone and more likely to report their own errors.

I would like to know your thoughts on this.

[PMH]

Wow!

An interesting concept.

What has this done in terms of getting chaperons to sign on (or refuse to be a chaperon)?

PMH

[krenshaw]

I apologize if I sent a post before it was complete. I am still learning this forum.

I had a case where I had concerns that the motives of a man who married a female offender were hybristophilic. I introduced this pilot at that time. He ended his involvement with the program and ended his marriage to the offender. Later I learned that he is taking pornographic photos and preys on vulnerable women.

I have had many refused to participate and in most cases they would not likely have been suitable for the responsibility.

Those who do participate have been positive about the experience in many ways.

I have spoken on this topic to the Texas Polygraph Association. To date, my proposals have not been accepted by my professional associations.

The project has been evaluated positively by the criminal justice agencies and court orders have been issued that require participation.

[docjan]

I think it is a superb idea! Especially with chaperones who live in the home with an offender and children. We have different levels of chaperones, as we have so many who are not able or have some reason for not wanting to or not able to chaperone on a full-time basis. Depending on the reasons and issues, the person may be suitable for some basic duties that are not extremely high risk, given the specifics. We have ongoing couples' groups (4 couples in a room), and the chaperones offer lots of support and even confrontation when someone is not doing as expected and required. Anyway, our local PO is supportive, but we are not sure how to implement it, except in the case of when an offender is living in the home. I would be interested in more information/assistance with this issue. Thanks! Janice

[krenshaw]

I will be presenting on this in February at the CSOT training in San Antonio. I am still gathering data on this and would like to hear from anyone who does implement this.

[mftman]

I recently wrote a policy & procedure on what our clinicians need to do before recommending contact with children for an offender. Neutral chaperones are always recommended for us.

[docjan]

Krenshaw - I am most interested in this topic. I am hoping to get to the training in SA, but I am not sure I will be able to make it, due to group responsibilities and no coverage, etc. Please post more here when you can. Thanks!!! Janice