The "dosage" model of probation suggests that the length of supervision should be determined by the number of hours of intervention necessary to reduce recidivism risk, rather than an arbitrarily or customarily established amount of time or number of contacts. Research indicates that for many individuals, intervention is similar to treating a patient, i.e., too little intervention means the patient receives little or no benefit from the treatment; on the other hand, too much treatment can be ineffective or even harmful.

• Dosage Probation: Rethinking the Structure of Probation Sentences

  Date: January 2014 
  This policy paper builds on RNR principles (Risk, Need, Responsivity) in linking the duration of probation supervision to the optimal amount of intervention an offender needs in order to reduce his/her risk of reoffending.

• Milwaukee County Dosage Probation Logic Model

  Undated

• Examining the Interaction between Level of Risk and Dosage of Treatment

  Date: March 2013 
  The risk principle suggests that effective correctional interventions should vary the intensity of treatment by offender risk, with higher risk offenders receiving more intense services than lower risk offenders.

• Dosage Probation: A Prescription Based on Two Pilot Sites' Experiences

  Date: 2020 
  The National Institute of Corrections, in partnership with the Center for Effective Public Policy, has developed this white paper to highlight the innovative concept of dosage probation and to share the successes, challenges, and lessons learned. This model of community supervision is not yet fully tested.

• Prescribed Correctional Treatment Dosage: Cautions, Commentary, and Future Directions

  Date: February 2019 
  This resource from Taylor & Francis, a company that provides journal content from Taylor & Francis Group including behavioral sciences and the Journal of Offender rehabilitation, outlines potential concerns about prescribed program and treatment dosages which may have unintended consequences. 
  The site provides abstract overviews of topics and fee-based access to full articles and information along with links to related resources.