Understanding Probation & Parole for Family & Friends
The Missouri Department of Corrections supervises and provides rehabilitative services to adult offenders in correctional facilities and Missouri communities to enhance public safety. This information is designed to assist both family and friends of those under the supervision of the Missouri Department of Corrections Board of Probation and Parole. It will help you understand the requirements and expectations of your family member or friend while they are supervised by our agency and answer questions you may have. Family, friends and significant others play a crucial role in the supervision process and are vital to the success of these individuals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can family and friends do to assist in the supervision process?
How can the Probation and Parole Officer assist your family member or friend?
What information is open to the public?
How can a client obtain an early discharge from supervision?
How are client costs and fees paid?
Are clients required to divulge information about convictions on a job application?
What voting rights do clients have, and how are suspended rights restored?
What should a client do if they are subjected to sexual harassment or sexual abuse from other clients or staff?
What can family and friends do to assist in the supervision process?
Our agency wants to ensure family and friends have a good understanding of the role of the supervising officer and the conditions of supervision. We encourage you to talk to the client and ask them what is required of them. Clients must meet with their officer as instructed. Having your encouragement and support is vital to their success. Some examples of how family and friends can assist with a client’s success include providing clients with an alcohol and drug free environment, encouraging clients to attend classes and/or programs as recommended by their officer, and assisting clients with transportation. If the client is experiencing difficulties in meeting any of their requirements, including failing to report, contact should be made with the supervising officer immediately. Our agency promotes having good communication with the officer to discuss any problems or issues that may arise, as well as positive behaviors. If the officer is not available, you may ask to speak with their supervisor.
How can the Probation and Parole Officer assist your family member or friend?
The primary goal of Probation and Parole is to promote public safety. The Probation and Parole Officer has the responsibility to guide the client in developing a case plan to reach their identified goals and in becoming a productive and contributing member of society. We also work with the client to help identify their needs and issues. They are often referred to programs, such as substance use disorder, mental health, domestic violence, educational and others aimed at improving their lives.
What information is open to the public?
Present offense(s), sentence and judgment(s), county of conviction, term of supervision, standard conditions of Probation, Parole or Conditional Release, special conditions set forth by the Court, confirmation that an individual is under supervision, name of the supervising officer, office location, custody or bond status, Parole or Conditional Release date, Parole Board release decision, and prior convictions.
How can a client obtain an early discharge from supervision?
In the case of Earned Compliance Credits (ECC), the early discharge is based on whether a client meets the initial eligibility requirements and how well they comply with their supervision requirements.
The granting of an early discharge rests primarily with the sentencing Court or the Parole Board. For clients who comply with their supervision conditions the Court may consider an early discharge, and the Parole Board can consider this after three years of successful supervision in the community.
How are client costs and fees paid?
Court Costs or Restitution payments are specific to each case in Missouri and payment information should be obtained from the supervising officer.
Intervention Fees payments can be made by telephone at (855) 362-4333, online at www.modocfees.com or by mailing a money order or cashiers check to:
MO Dept. of Corrections
Attn: Offender Financial Service
P.O. Box 1848
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Are clients required to divulge information about convictions on a job application?
An officer can guide a client in answering this question. Typically, failure to divulge information regarding criminal history may result in loss of employment.
What voting rights do clients have, and how are suspended rights restored?
Per state statute, clients are not entitled to vote while on Probation or Parole for a felony conviction or while confined in an institution. Those on supervision solely for a Suspended Impositions of Sentence (SIS) are allowed to vote as these are not considered convictions. Upon being discharged from supervision, most clients are eligible to have these rights restored. This may be done at the local election authority, Department of Revenue or by mail at a participating state agency. More information may be obtained by contacting the Board of Elections at (800) 669-8683.
What should a client do if they are subjected to sexual harassment or sexual abuse from other clients or staff?
The Missouri Department of Corrections has a strict zero tolerance for all forms of sexual abuse or harassment against clients. If a client believes another client has been subjected to sexual abuse or sexual harassment while residing within a correctional facility we encourage you to report the allegation to a trusted staff person immediately. In addition, sexual abuse and sexual harassment reports can be made anonymously or by a third party by writing to:
Laws - Obey all laws. Report all arrests to the officer within 48 hours.
Travel - Obtain advance permission from the officer. Travel outside of the State may require 15-30 days prior approval.
Residency - Obtain advance permission from the officer before changing residency.
Employment - Maintain employment unless in an approved program. If job is lost or terminated, notify your officer within 48 hours.
Association - Obtain advance permission from the officer before associating with person(s) convicted of any felony or misdemeanor or anyone currently under supervision.
Drugs - Do not possess or use any drugs unless medically prescribed.
Weapons - Do not possess, purchase, receive, sell or transport firearms, ammunition or explosive device or any dangerous weapon.
Reporting/ Directives - Report as directed. Abide by any additional directives given by the officer.
Supervision Strategy - Enter and successfully complete any assigned supervision program or strategy.
Intervention Fee - Pay a monthly fee as directed.
Special Conditions - These are case specific as directed by the Parole Board or Court. Examples of these conditions are no alcohol, substance use disorder treatment, anger management classes, restitution, court costs, community service hours, etc.
Failure to follow the conditions of supervision may result in a violation of a client’s Probation, Parole or Conditional Release.
General Office Information
All district offices are open between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm Monday through Friday, except on State holidays.
After Hours Emergencies or Natural Disasters - The P&P Command Center in Jefferson City may be reached at (888) 869-3195.
Weapons and Consent to Search - Anyone entering the grounds of a Probation and Parole Office is subject to search. Firearms or any other weapons are prohibited.
Additional DOC Resources
Probation and Parole Central Office: (573) 751-8488
Department Of Corrections Central Office: (573) 751-2389
