Field Supervision

Minors declared wards of the Court or placed on informal probation are assigned a Deputy Probation Officer in the area office closest to their residence. Probation staff assigned to juvenile caseloads work closely with the minor, the family, school officials, and community based service providers. Deputy Probation Officers are familiar with and refer probationers to community service organizations for counseling/treatment services. Additionally, Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Services (ADMHS) staff are assigned to the Counseling and Educations Centers (CECs), Juvenile Halls and camp programs.  They are available to provide services to the minors on-site and assist with crisis situations. Juveniles are placed on probation for a variety of offenses, including burglary, assault, robbery, and/or serious abuse of drugs and/or alcohol. However, many of the minors placed on probation have committed less serious offenses. A family-focused, strength-based approach is taken in the effort to prevent minors from committing further law violations.  Juvenile probationers are required to obey the directives of the Court, their parents, and the assigned Deputy Probation Officer.  They may be required to submit to search and seizure of their person and property as well as to drug and alcohol testing.  Minors who violate the conditions of their probation or commit new offenses can be returned to Court.  Minors may also be required to pay fines and/or restitution to victims or complete community service work hours.