People convicted of domestic violence offenses have a low rate of reconviction after treatment from the Bellevue Probation Office, according to a
study by the Washington Gender and Justice Commission. According to data provided from six municipal courts in the region, including Bellevue’s, in
the year following treatment, participants who underwent domestic violence moral reconation therapy had an 8.4% rate of reconviction for DV
offenses, compared to 12.5% with other forms of treatment and providers. Bellevue Probation has been offering moral reconation therapy, which
confronts faulty thinking that leads to inappropriate behavior, for about six years. In addition to being more effective, Bellevue Probation’s moral
reconation class is substantially cheaper than other treatments, including moral reconation from private providers. The treatment’s affordability ($120
for a six-month course versus $50-100 per weekly session for six to 18 months) gives municipal judges more sentencing options, researchers found.
“Bellevue Probation is in the business of changing lives,” said King County District Court’s East Division Presiding Judge Lisa O’Toole. “They put clients
at ease by establishing trust and solid working relationships. They set them on a path to improve every aspect of their lives.” Bellevue’s Probation
division, part of the city’s Parks & Community Services Department, works with adults charged with or convicted of misdemeanor offenses from King
County District Court to monitor and track court ordered obligations. Within the guidelines set by the court, Bellevue Probation provides programs and
services to individuals that address their areas of need and increase stability in their lives.
Original source can be found here.
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