Featured Programs
O.C. Juvenile Hall Youth Help Rescue Dogs Overcome Trauma, Train Them for Forever Homes
From the Daily Pilot.
ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. – December 18, 2024 – Surviving a 20-year sentence for his role in a 1997 gang-related homicide in Westminster forced Nhut Thanh Vo to disassociate from his emotions. By the time he was three-fourths of the way through his prison stint, he was starving for an opportunity to form a relationship with another soul.
A program that taught inmates dog handling by pairing them with pets rescued from shelters allowed him to bond with another living being for the first time in over 16 years.
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“Vulnerability is not a good trait in prison. But with a dog, you need to be vulnerable. That’s the only way you can connect with them.”
The Connector Newsletter – December 23, 2024
California Probation Creating Safer Communities Through Accountability & Opportunity
In this issue of The Connector, read stories of hope and inspiration of how California Probation is helping create safer communities by focusing on holding justice-involved individuals accountable while helping them transition out of the system permanently through transformative and evidence-based rehabilitation. Probation Departments are a connector in the justice system, interlacing and maximizing the resources available within our systems and communities to reduce recidivism by carefully balancing direct human services and research-based interventions.
County Spotlight: San Joaquin County Probation Client Testimonial
California Probation’s collaborative work in re-entry services for those involved in the justice system, not only helps those within the system turn their lives around, but also helps make our communities safer for all.
For those interested in understanding the realities of formal probation, this video from San Joaquin County Probation highlights Jason’s journey of transformation. Growing up in the foster system, Jason faced significant challenges, which ultimately led to a life of crime and incarceration.
While many may believe the role of California Probation is to catch probationers violating their terms, the truth is, they strive to guide people toward successfully completing their rehabilitation which leads to long-term safety in our communities.
Jason emphasizes the turning point of taking accountability and the significant role his probation officer played in supporting him during his recovery journey. He credits his probation officer’s care and guidance for keeping him on track and fostering personal growth, stating that his officer provided unwavering support and helped him get access to helpful programs.
“My Probation Officer was a staple for my recovery!”
Jason’s story highlights the value of strong supervision and self-commitment in recovery, and the transformative impact of effective probation supervision. San Joaquin County Probation, for Jason, became a cornerstone of change.
Watch Jason’s story here.
California Probation across the state, provides a multifaceted integrated safety model that uses accountability and provides opportunity. Probation continues to successfully connect individuals to workforce development, substance use treatment, mental health services, family engagement, and educational opportunities.
The San Joaquin County Probation Department provides safe custodial care for juveniles and adults in ways that help uphold public safety. As a partner to and bridge between the Courts, the detention system, and the community, they provide the prevention, investigation, and supervision services needed to make the communities they serve safer and stronger. Officers and staff are committed to excellence, professionalism, and integrity. The Department’s shared values include excellence, importance of the individual, team concepts, ethical conduct, professionalism, importance of community and a safe and healthy environment.Contra Costa Probation Hosts 8th Annual Range Instructor Meeting
Contra Costa County Probation had the distinct honor of hosting the 8th Annual Range Instructor Coalition Statewide Meeting earlier this fall, a premier event that brought together Probation representatives and firearms instructors from across California. This dynamic coalition serves as a vital committee for sharing knowledge, fostering collaboration, and addressing key topics related to probation training, firearms use, and safety protocols.
Over the course of the meeting, participants engaged in meaningful discussions on critical issues, including the latest legislative updates and best practices for training, equipment, and firearms. These conversations aimed to ensure that probation departments statewide are equipped with the tools and knowledge necessary to operate effectively and safely.
Empowering Presentations and an Inspiring Chief Panel
One of the highlights of the event was a thought-provoking presentation by The Counseling Team International, titled “Resilience in Crisis: Managing Critical Incident Stress After Officer-Related Shootings.” This session provided invaluable insights and strategies for managing stress and maintaining mental health after high-stakes, traumatic incidents—an issue of growing importance in the probation field.
Another standout moment was the Chief Panel discussion, expertly moderated by Karen Pank, Executive Director of the Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC). The panel featured an impressive lineup of leaders:
Re-Entry Program Changes Fresno County Residents Lives
From Your Central Valley
FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. – November 14, 2024 – GEO Re-entry Services and the Fresno County Probation Department hosted a ceremony that celebrated individuals on probation who have graduated from the intensive reentry program at the Fresno County Day Reporting Center.
19 graduates on probation are graduating from the program to re-enter into the community.
“They help me out a lot. They help us get to the right path where we need to go and it helped me out to like just stay focused and to do good in life,” Kobe Berry, a participant in the program said.
Veteran Treatment Courts Successful Across the State
Collaborative Courts are comprised of multi-disciplinary teams, who work to be responsive to the needs of the participants. They allow participants an opportunity to participate in evidence based treatment models as an alternative to traditional court processing. This week, in honor of Veterans Day, we are highlighting Veterans Treatment Court success stories from several counties.
SACRAMENTO COUNTY PROBATION:
While post-traumatic stress disorder affects millions of people, veterans suffer at higher rates than civilians, three times more for those who were deployed. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 11-20% of veterans who served in operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom have PTSD in a given year. Approximately 12% of Gulf War veterans and an estimated 30% of Vietnam Veterans struggle with PTSD. Symptoms include persistent flashbacks or nightmares, difficulty with emotional regulation, particularly anger management, and reckless or self-destructive behavior. Through California’s Veterans’ Treatment Court, veterans facing criminal charges may be eligible for treatment rather than punishment.
“The most common [struggle] for vets is PTSD [and] TBIs, which are traumatic brain injuries, just from service. That can turn into addictions, can turn into anger issues, and those can turn into other criminal activities if it goes far enough,” says Kevin Cadena, senior deputy probation officer with Sacramento County.
Lake County Probation Hosts Annual Resilient Re-entry Community Event
Probation’s collaborative work in re-entry services for those in our justice system not only helps those in the system to help turn their lives around, but it also helps make our communities safer for everyone.
The Lake County Probation Department, in collaboration with the Lake County Campus of Woodland Community College, hosted their 3rd Annual Resilient Re-entry event October 11, 2024. This event is designed to provide valuable resources and guidance to justice-involved individuals throughout the communities of Lake County.
The event is aimed to facilitate the reintegration of justice-involved individuals into society by offering a range of services including record expungement, college education opportunities, literacy resources, and even free tattoo removal services.
Serving Those Who Have Served: Veterans’ Treatment Court Provides Support in Lieu of Incarceration
From Sacramento News & Review, by Anne Stokes
SACRAMENTO, CA | October 26, 2023 — While post-traumatic stress disorder affects millions of people, veterans suffer at higher rates than civilians, three times more for those who were deployed. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 11-20% of veterans who served in operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom have PTSD in a given year. Approximately 12% of Gulf War veterans and an estimated 30% of Vietnam Veterans struggle with PTSD. Symptoms include persistent flashbacks or nightmares, difficulty with emotional regulation, particularly anger management, and reckless or self-destructive behavior. Through California’s Veterans’ Treatment Court, veterans facing criminal charges may be eligible for treatment rather than punishment.
Arts Council of Kern Receives $60k Donation for Rehabilitation Project
From KGET. By Joshua Eyraud.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Fifth District Supervisor Leticia Perez joined Kern Family Health Care Wednesday to announce a major contribution to the Arts Council of Kern.
Mindfulness Program Aims to Empower Incarcerated Teens in Kern County
From Bakersfield Now. By Solomon Ladvienka.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — A mindfulness course has been implemented to possibly help empower teenagers’ futures. At the Bowles Youth Detention Facility, a wellness program has opened and comes at a time where many teens in the Kern County have been arrested this week.
Kern Arts Council gets $60,000 to Support Youth Rehabilitation Through Art
From Bakersfield Now. By Lena Folke.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — After over a year of operation, the Arts Council of Kern received $60,000 in funding the Arts4Rehabiltation project, to continue providing incarcerated youth with artistic methods to express themselves.
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Growing into Mindfulness: Kern County Youth Detention Centers See Impact
From Turn to 23. By Raquel Calo.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — The Mindful Futures Initiative celebrated incarcerated youth on Saturday, honoring their dedication to mindfulness lessons with certifications that mark the beginning of their empowered futures.
The Mindful Futures Initiative (MFI) honored incarcerated youth with mindfulness certifications on Saturday.
Christine McBride, MFI’s education director, teaches mindfulness to help students build inner strength.
MFI’s program has expanded to all Kern County youth detention centers, supported by a team of six instructors.
#CAProbation Spotlight: Sacramento County Probation Recovery Court
Sacramento County Probation’s Recovery Court helps create safer communities by connecting participants to employment, recovery, and community with this life-changing program. Probation and drug courts help keep our communities safer by connecting people in the justice system with transformative rehabilitation and helping change lives.
Sierra County Probation Promotes Safety Night for Back To School Month
The Sierra County Probation Department recently visited a local high school during Back to School Month. Deputy Probation Officers Sofia Gonzalez and Scott Quade of Sierra County Probation visited the Loyalton High School Grizzley Night to promote their upcoming TECHWISE SAFETY FAMILY NIGHT on Thursday, October 3, 2024.
Ventura County Probation Celebrates Back to School Month with 2024 Backpack Bash
In celebration of #BacktoSchoolMonth, Ventura County Juvenile Probation Officers and Youth Advocates, in conjunction with Goodwill, The Partnership for Safe Families, Public Health, and United Parents, facilitated the 2024 Back to School Backpack Bash on August 6th, 2024. Donations were received by Staples, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Simi Valley, The Coalition for Family Harmony and the Ventura County Grand Jury. The event provided youth and families with 94 JanSport backpacks filled with school supplies as they prepare to return to school this fall.
Kern County Probation Graduation: 30 students take the first step into re-entering society
From Turn to 23, by Eric J. Dockery.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Kern County Probation Department & GEO Reentry Services held a graduation for 30 individuals who wanted to change the trajectory of their lives. GEO is a free program that services those on probation.
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Education Matters: How Orange County Probation Upheld this Fundamental Right
Orange, Cali., July 3, 2024 – In the ever-evolving landscape of juvenile rehabilitation, the College Occupational Program (COP) at Orange County Probation Department’s Juvenile Hall seeks to transform lives one class at a time.
San Joaquin County’s Newly Implemented SJ CARES Program is on the Move
From SJC Probation.
San Joaquin, Cali. – June 4, 2024 - The newly created, San Joaquin Community Assessment, Response, and Engagement Services (SJ CARES) team has been actively engaged in conducting homeless outreach throughout San Joaquin County.
Shasta County Launches Tattoo Removal Program for Victims of Gangs and Trafficking
From KRCR. By Mike Mangas and Adam Robinson.
REDDING, Cali. – May 16, 2024 - Sometimes we make poor decisions, some of them can be corrected quickly and easily, other can affect us for years.
