Our Impact
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Changing Lives
Practice
Research shows individuals respond better and maintain learned behaviors and skills for longer periods of time when they receive positive reinforcement. Additionally, providing feedback regarding progress is associated with enhanced motivation and improved outcomes. The same holds true within the department. Monitoring the delivery of services provided and maintaining the fidelity of procedures to validated literature helps build accountability and maintain integrity to the agency’s mission and values. Regular performance audits keep staff focused on the goals for themselves and the department.


Service
Probation is an integral part of the Justice System, providing risk assessments and investigative reports to the courts. Probation officers serve as the link between the client and the court system. Case management, supervision, electronic monitoring, prevention, intervention, referrals and enforcement is also provided to ensure offenders’ compliance with their court order, which can include participation in treatment programs, community service, and payment of restitution to victims. Just as paramount, however, is the provision of services towards the overall rehabilitation of justice-involved individuals, addressing their criminogenic needs and any other concerns such as substance abuse, mental illness, or instability in employment to ensure positive outcomes.
Support
Parallel to helping offenders, the Probation Department also offers support to employees in various forms. Employees are encouraged to participate in community outreach events throughout the year, bringing a sense of unity to the department as well as those in the communities we serve. Employees are given the opportunity to participate in countywide activities such as Walking Works Challenge and the Corporate Games. Additionally, the Employee Assistance Program is offered to County employees and their families. The Employee Assistance Program offers confidential services including counseling, legal assistance, financial assistance, and wellness education seminars. Furthermore, the department offers continuous training and development opportunities. Positions within the department may qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness. Individuals who are members of a union are also offered additional support services.

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Building Safer Communities




Collaboration
Familiarity with client issues is integral to promoting positive changes. Equipped with it, Probation, in working together with community-based organizations and partners, work to combat common issues such as substance abuse, mental illness, employment constraints, and any other socioeconomic concerns that hamper rehabilitation. In identifying these criminogenic needs, the department is better able to find a solution in concert with other organizations to work towards the same goal of rehabilitation and community safety.
Opportunity
There is an abundance of opportunities within the Probation Department to grow professionally, build safer communities, and to positively affect lives. Probation Department is a place where integrity, professionalism, and service to the community is valued. A place where adherence to strong moral principles are upheld; a place where collective and individual accountability and achievement are observed; a place where service towards positive changes is nurtured.
Those who have a passion for meeting the objectives of the Probation Department and the community and have a desire to help individuals under their care effectuate positive change can and have seen their career prosper from support staff to executive management. You are empowered with the decision to take your profession in Probation to the levels you choose. You also decide if, at the end of the day, your actions and/or attitude of service has made a positive influence on others, enhanced the quality of life of those within your sphere of influence, and helped to build safer communities.
Likewise, opportunities for offenders are also abound. Adult and juvenile offenders are advised and provided training on how to manage their life. Offenders also are provided support and shown how to cope with life’s challenges in a manner that is conducive to producing a positive outcome. Offenders are provided the support and opportunity necessary to transform their life; to be provided the chance to absolve themselves of maladaptive thoughts and behaviors; to be provided the chance to be free of substance abuse; to be provided the chance to reclaim stability in employment; to be provided a second chance in life.
Education
Continued education/core training as mandated by BSCC covers areas such as:
- Criminal justice system – history of Probation
- Roles and responsibilities
- Penal Codes
- Legal foundations and liability
- Confidentiality and records
- Professionalism and ethics
- Priority setting and time management
- Interpersonal and effective communication
- Motivational Interviewing – writing investigation reports
- Managing people with substance abuse and mental health disorders
- Crisis communication and de-escalation of intense situations
Parallel to learning opportunities that officers benefit from, the Probation Department also promotes education to supervised clients. Services that provide employment training, obtainment of diplomas, cognitive counseling to adjust maladaptive thoughts and behaviors, and others more that affect change are some of the tools that the Probation Department provides to foster learning.