Technology has changed the world around us. A recent study estimates 98% of Americans own a phone and 91% own a smartphone. And it’s not just adults—juveniles are a part of the equation too. By age 15, almost all children have a cell phone. Knowing this, organizations need to utilize tools that best connect with younger populations. With a range of devices and apps, Corrisoft’s AIR® products harness the power of smartphone technology to meet the needs of individuals in supervision programs, including those in pretrial electronic monitoring. Let’s explore some of the ways our tools can enhance the supervision process for juveniles.
Reducing stigma
Because almost all young adults have a cell phone, using this technology for supervision allows them to blend into the crowd while working through programs. Instead of using traditional ankle bracelets, which can be bulky and hard to hide with clothing, smartphones allow them to text, call, email, and respond to check-in notifications from administrators without major disruption to their daily lives. This makes activities like going to school, work, or other community events easier for young people in supervision programs. For juveniles enrolled in pretrial electronic monitoring, this seamless integration into daily life can reduce feelings of isolation or embarrassment and encourage engagement with the program.
Improve communication
A couple of years ago, we hosted a panel featuring industry professionals at NADCP’s conference, where we gained valuable insight into the role technology plays in communicating with juveniles. One administrator from a juvenile treatment court said Corrisoft’s apps enhanced the way they communicated with participants, especially when they sought feedback from participants.
When it came to check-ins, the court noticed that young people didn’t respond well to phone calls. This prompted them to create a weekly customized questionnaire, asking important questions like “What’s something you’re proud of?” and “What’s something you’re stressed about this week?” They found that juveniles were much more likely to respond in detail through a typed message as opposed to discussing it on the phone. This gave rich and robust insight into the lives of participants, and all it took was a simple process adjustment to meet young participants where they are. This kind of adaptability is especially valuable in pretrial electronic monitoring programs, where trust and consistent engagement are key.
Practice accountability
Smartphone technology also allows participants to practice and improve their accountability. There are two main ways in which this occurs. One, they can take responsibility for their daily activities by managing their calendars in the AIR platform. Whether it’s requesting a change or clearly communicating when they are late and unable to make a pre-approved event, participants can practice responsibility. The second way is through GPS monitoring. While a participant can say they are at a certain location at a certain time, GPS tracking ensures they’re actually where they say they are.
For young people participating in pretrial electronic monitoring, this dual system of self-reporting and verification not only builds accountability, but also strengthens the credibility of their efforts to comply with court-ordered conditions.
These are just a few of the ways Corrisoft’s technology impacts juvenile supervision programs. Whether they’re using smartphones or apps, our products can be customized to fit your organization’s and your participants’ needs throughout the process—including robust support for pretrial electronic monitoring.