National Standards

APPA is proud to present its National Standards for Community Supervision.

National Standards Cover

APPA's National Standards for Community Supervision

APPA is proud to present its National Standards for Community Supervision (Standards). These Standards were developed in collaboration with national experts and funded by a generous grant from the National Institute of Corrections (NIC). Developing a set of Standards has been one of APPA’s goals for a considerable amount of time. APPA has always played an important role in driving improvements in the community supervision field, and the publication of these Standards as we approach our 50-year anniversary in 2025 makes this accomplishment extra special.

The Standards are meant to promote more positive community supervision outcomes for both individuals under supervision and agency staff/operations. The Standards will help agencies implement evidence-based practices into everyday case management and serve as a resource when agencies are evaluating policies and outcomes.

National Standards Annotated Table of Contents

Application to Participate in the APPA Standards Implementation Pilot

Through the development of the National Standards for Community Supervision, APPA is setting a new benchmark for community supervision agencies. The Standards provide evidence-informed guidance for effective, equitable, and accountable community supervision practices. They cover core areas of supervision, including assessment, case planning, client engagement, and more, with the goal of improving outcomes for individuals under supervision and for our communities.

APPA is currently seeking community supervision agencies and experienced leaders to help pilot the Standards. Agencies who are ready to implement the Standards and technical assistance providers are invited to participate in this pilot project. The pilot will help agencies examine their current policies and practices to determine how they align with the Standards. Technical assistance providers will assist agencies during their implementation process by serving as subject matter experts and offering strategic guidance through the implementation process. Participation in this effort will inform future implementation strategies and strengthen nationwide efforts to support community supervision.

We would be honored to have a small, select group of agencies and experts join this vital project. If interested, please complete the brief pilot application, which can be access via the following link.

Apply Here

Supplemental Resources for APPA’s National Standards

APPA’s National Standards for the community supervision field—grounded in evidence-based practices—are designed to support probation and parole entities achieve better outcomes for the individuals and communities they serve. These Standards provide a shared framework for effective, research-informed supervision that promotes accountability, fairness, rehabilitation, and long-term success.

To reinforce proper interpretation and consistent application of the Standards, this section provides supplemental resources. Here, practitioners, administrators, trainers, and stakeholders will find tools and materials that expand on key concepts, clarify expectations, and provide practical guidance for implementation. These resources are intended to strengthen understanding, enhance organizational alignment, and ensure the Standards are applied with fidelity across diverse agencies and settings. These supplemental materials, which will be periodically updated, are designed to help translate the Standards into meaningful, effective action.

APPA’s National Standards Brief Frequently Asked Questions Putting the National Standards Into Action

National Standards Quick Reference Guides – An Overview

These quick-reference guides break down the Standards content and provide a deeper dive into each section, highlighting the essential elements of each standard. As you review the guides, you will see they outline resources that may be needed to implement the standard, offer suggestions around assigning people responsible to lead implementation efforts for a given initiative; detail questions agencies should discuss to anticipate challenges related to implementation; and provide practical considerations regarding the timeline and outcomes that agencies might expect from the implemented changes.

National Standards Quick Reference Guides