San Francisco Adult Probation Department 

2013 GENDER ANALYSIS UPDATE

 

On January 13, 2013, Chief Wendy Still reported on gender specific programming at the Adult Probation Department (APD). Here is the report drawn from the minutes of the Commission meeting:

APD supervises 5,705 adults each day. The numbers reflect the re-alignment of probationers from state custody to local custody. She reviewed staffing data disaggregated by gender and by race. There has been a doubling in the number of women employees: from 43 in 2009 to 86 today. She discussed a sea change in the approach probation officers take with their clients where client needs drive services and resources. Chief Still provided demographic data about female clients. She has been a pioneer in gender responsive strategies such as transportation by female staff; if arrested, determination of care for any children; and family-informed case management plan. Under her leadership, San Francisco became the first jurisdiction to introduce family impact statements to the probation process. Chief Still reported on her department's audit of batterer’s intervention programs, conducted in partnership with Beverly Upton, Executive Director of the Domestic Violence Consortium. APD has partnered with the Department of Public Health on the Open Arms program to provide services to women recently released from prison. The Department opened a satellite office in the Bay View district.

Vice President Kirshner-Rodriguez congratulated Chief Still on the many of achievements in better serving women probationers. She asked if Chief Still would be presenting to the Board of Supervisors and other Commissions. Chief Still stated that she will likely go before the Board of Supervisors Public Safety Committee soon.

President Soo asked about services to children. Chief Still responded by saying that the Department has partnered with Child Protective Services of the Human Services Agency which has jurisdiction over these children.

Commissioner Gamez inquired about whether the department is sufficiently staffed to meet the increased number of probationers as a result of realignment. Chief Still stated that she has been given the resources to maintain a ratio of 1 probation officer for every 50 probationers.

Commissioner Shorter asked what the Commission could do to support the Department. Chief Still said she would let Dr. Murase know as the need arises.