09/04/2023
By Karen Mullins

The School of Criminology and Justice Studies is proud to announce a Dissertation Proposal Defense of Allison E. Butterfield entitled: "Exploring substance use disorder training among probation officers, and the impact of stigmatizing labels on approaches to technical probation violations."

Date: Monday, Sept. 18
Time: Noon
Location: HSSB room 431 or via Zoom

Committee:

  • Melissa Morabito Committee Chair, Professor, University of Massachusetts Lowell
  • Pauline Brennan, Professor, University of Massachusetts Lowell
  • Ronald Corbett, Adjunct Professor, University of Massachusetts Lowell
  • Kimberly Kras, Associate Professor San Diego State University

Abstract

Probationers with substance use disorders (SUDS) face outcomes that are generally worse than those of their non-addicted counterparts. Technical violations are one of the primary drivers of failure on probation, and/or incarceration and they are often related to ongoing substance use. Probation officers working with probationers with SUDS frequently have discretion in case management recommendations including whether to file a technical violation. Little is known, however, about their decision-making process and how it might be shaped by education and training about substance use disorders, and general attitudes about addiction. Research of related disorders such as mental illness suggests that education and training among service providers can reduce stigma.

The proposed exploratory study will survey a convenience sample of members of the American Probation and Parole association (APPA) about the attitudes they hold toward substance using probationers, as well as the amount of education and training they have in SUDS. The survey combines previously validated measures from law enforcement, mental health, and probation. Research questions probe the perceived value of providing education and training on SUDS. In addition to descriptive data, regression analysis will be used to determine which factors impact case management recommendations for technical violations.