Which type of community correctional program provides supervision for low-risk offenders?

Probation is designed specifically for the supervision of individuals who have been convicted of a crime but are serving their sentences in the community rather than in prison. This type of community correctional program is typically used for low-risk offenders who may not require the more intensive supervision associated with parole or incarceration.

Probation allows these individuals to remain in their communities while adhering to certain conditions, such as regular check-ins with a probation officer, attending counseling, or completing community service. This approach aims to facilitate rehabilitation and reintegration into society, reducing the likelihood of recidivism while still holding offenders accountable for their behavior.

In contrast, parole is aimed at individuals who have served part of their prison sentence and are being reintegrated into the community under supervision. Community service is a form of sentencing rather than a supervision program, where offenders complete a set number of hours of unpaid work for the community. Diversion programs typically redirect offenders away from traditional judicial processes, often before they are formally charged, which does not involve supervision in the same capacity as probation.