Adult Probation 2002 Gender Analysis Update

San Francisco Adult Probation Department

2002 Gender Analysis Update

 

On November 20, 2002, the Adult Probation Department presented the CEDAW Task Force with an update on its progress in implementing recommendations made in response to its Gender Analysis. The following draws directly from the Minutes of that meeting:

 

SF ADULT PROBATION DEPARTMENT CEDAW PROGRESS REPORT:

Dee Williams, Personnel Director and CEDAW Liaison, and Arturo Faro, Acting Division Director, from the San Francisco Adult Probation Department gave the following report.

 

WORK-LIFE POLICIES:

The Adult Probation expanded its formal telecommuting policies (in place in the Investigations unit for almost ten years) to the Community Services Unit. Three more employees are now telecommuting and their work product has increased, absenteeism has decreased, and office rent savings have been realized. Department staff were asked to submit a short report on how the program was expanded and the results in terms of cost savings and improvements to staff moral. Other programs include an extensive flextime option for employees to begin the workday anytime prior to 10 am and end the day anytime after 3:30 pm (with supervisor approval). As an example, department staff cited an assistant who has changed her schedule a number of times to ensure her ability to carpool.

 

DATA COLLECTION:

The entire Department data collection programs are being revamped with a sophisticated automatic system that will allow for obtaining disaggregated data by gender, race, and other attributes, on probationers.

 

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE:

The Adult Probation has been working extensively with the San Francisco Department on the Status of Women to implement the recommendations from the DOSW's Justice and Courage Report. The work in this area is outlined in a report to COSW and the Mayor in November 2002. Of particular concern to the Task Force was the fact that the average number of cases per probation officer (109) was over double the initially envisioned caseload. The Chief Adult Probation Officer, despite pressures to cut their Department budget, remains committed to maintaining all programs for domestic violence and to make this area is a priority for the Department.

 

LANGUAGE ACCESS:

Department staff reported that employees with bilingual language ability are now compensated for this skill. Available languages now include Spanish, Chinese, Filipino, and Russian. Forms have been translated for these languages. Approximately 5% of the staff is bilingual.

 

GENDER SPECIFIC SERVICES:

The Department's Power and Network Programs that serve women with case management and drug abuse services continue to be model programs. All programs, however, are being threatened by the 3-9 percent budget cuts required by the Mayor's Office.