News
Highlight — Veterans Overcome Challenges With San Bernardino Veterans Treatment Court
Kevin, a former client of San Bernardino County Probation, is an uplifting story of transformation and success.
After serving three tours in the United States Army, Kevin realized he had to get help after run-ins with law enforcement and several suicide attempts. He found out about San Bernardino County Veterans Treatment Court and was partnered up with Probation Officer Victor Hernandez, who is also a veteran.
SPOTLIGHT: Madera Probation Helped Residents Stay Safe During Creek Fire
Department Spent Three Weeks Helping Counties Evacuate California’s Largest Single Fire
When The Creek Fire began burning in Fresno and Madera Counties, Madera County Probation Officers stepped in to help support CalFire and Madera County Sheriff’s Department with evacuations.
This is California’s largest single fire consuming over 365,000 acres and destroying about 1,000 structures. As the fire progressed away from populated areas, Probation Officers assisted with monitoring evacuated areas, managing traffic control, and eventually escorting homeowners safely back to their homes when evacuation orders lifted.
Yes on Proposition 25
By Tanja Heitman
As a life-long professional in community corrections, I have seen firsthand how California’s current bail system is often unfair, costly, and doesn’t prioritize protecting public safety. We have a chance to change that on our November ballots by voting Yes on Proposition 25. A yes vote on Proposition 25 simply means a vote to uphold the well-balanced and thoughtful legislation, Senate Bill 10, passed by the State Legislature and signed into law by Governor Brown in 2018.
Two Local Veterans Graduated from Butte County Veterans Treatment Court
The Butte County Probation Department was proud to announce the graduation of two of their Veterans Treatment Court participants. Veterans continue fighting even after their military service has ended as they struggle with substance abuse, mental health, and reintegrating into civilian life. With the help of the Veterans Treatment Court team, these clients complete an intensive treatment program and period of probation supervision lasting at least 12 months.
ICYMI: Here’s what Prop. 25 means in Ventura County
By Megan Diskin
From the Ventura County Star.
A “yes” vote on Proposition 25 would allow legislation eliminating money bail to move forward in the state and replace it with a system that assesses an arrested person’s flight risk and potential to commit more crime.
Probation Officers in San Bernardino County Develop Homeless Outreach Unit
Earlier this year, San Bernardino County developed a Homeless Outreach Unit within their county.
Probation Officers in this unit work with their regional homeless community to complete check-ins and offer outreach services. This includes connecting them with public health services, cooling and heating centers, and local food pantries. Officers also assist with finding housing for the homeless probationers under their care.
California counties face time crunch after juvenile justice realignment from state
By Rachel Looker, National Association of Counties
Juvenile justice services realignment in California
has created added responsibility for counties with only a
short amount of time.
Transforming California’s Juvenile Justice System
by Brian Richart
How California ultimately decides to transform juvenile justice will have long-term impacts on families and communities for generations – this transformation will influence whether young adults sink deeper into the criminal justice system or rehabilitate into independent individuals.
Governor Gavin Newsom Appoints Kings County Probation Chief Kelly Zuniga to the Board of State and Community Corrections
Sacramento, CA, August 20, 2020 – On August 17, 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom announced his appointment of Kings County Chief Probation Officer Kelly Zuniga to the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC).
ICYMI: Taking a Different Approach to Transforming Young Lives
Coastal Valley Academy in San Luis Obispo County Reflects New Ways of Helping Youth
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT…
Juvenile Justice in California has evolved – moving away from a more punitive model of the 1990’s and implementing a trauma-informed model that focuses on whole-person and family care and services. This evolution has been informed by science, research and evidence as the proven way to help youth onto healthier pathways and enhance community safety.
The Coastal Valley Academy in San Luis Obispo County is a perfect example of this evolution and how San Luis Obispo County Probation transformed a physical space to better reflec
ICYMI: Elevate Justice Act Will Help More Youth
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT…
Chief Probation Officers of California: Elevate Justice Act Will Help All Teenagers to Receive the Supports & Services Needed for Change
Sacramento, CA – August 14, 2020 – The Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC) support the Elevate Justice Act (EJA) that would raise the age of juvenile jurisdiction to 20th birthday; allowing 18 and 19 year olds the benefits of rehabilitation, mental health and counseling services.
ICYMI: Chief Richart on a proposal to transform California’s juvenile justice system
How California ultimately decides to transform juvenile justice will have long-term impacts on families and communities for generations. This transformation will influence whether young adults sink deeper into the criminal justice system or rehabilitate into independent individuals.
Chief Probation Officers Statement: Regarding Out of State Juvenile Placements
Sacramento, CA, July 30, 2020 – California Probation prioritizes keeping youth in their communities first and foremost with 90% of all youth under probation’s supervision served in the community. Out of state placements primarily occur when all other options are unavailable and there are no appropriate or available short-term residential treatment programs to address the acute needs of the youth who are ordered by the court into foster care.
ICYMI: Juvenile Probation Staff Honored For Efforts During Saddleridge & Tick Fires
Soon, 96 Probation officers and staff from the Los Angeles County Probation Department will be receiving the Department’s Medal of Merit for their bravery in assisting with the evacuation of youth from the Barry J. Nidorf Juvenile Hall (BJNJH) and Camp Joseph Scott during last year’s fire season.
ICYMI: Probation Department Officer Awarded Medal Of Valor
The Los Angeles County Probation Department will be awarding a Medal of Valor to Deputy Probation Officer Martha Corbett for her part in rescuing an 11-year-old boy who was standing too close to train tracks last October.
Deputy Probation Officer Martha Corbett a probation liaison with the city of Norwalk was visiting a middle school last Oct. 3 when school officials were alerted that the boy had run away from the school and was standing close to nearby train tracks, according to the probation department.
Probation Services Week Highlight: ICYMI Ten Reasons Why We Should Observe Probation Services Week
Restoring Trust & Creating Hope
Sierra Wave Media: Ten Reasons Why We Should Observe Probation Services Week
Restoring Trust and Creating Hope!
Probation Services Week is a time to recognize and celebrate the dedicated and caring individuals in Inyo County who work tirelessly to make our neighborhoods safer and more vibrant places to live.
These professionals are in our communities each and every day to assist juvenile and adult offenders in becoming better citizens and live productive lives.
Probation Services Week Highlight: Counties Honor Probation Departments with Proclamations
Counties throughout California have joined the ranks of Californians acknowledging the vital work of Probation throughout California during Probation Services Week 2020!
Above is a sampling of some of the resolutions passed by Boards of Supervisors throughout California commemorating the week and the work Probation does to keep communities safe by helping probation clients with rehabilitation services, supports and evidence-based supervision.
Probation Services Week Highlight: Probation Officer Martinez Shines During Curbside Wellness Checks
Throughout the Covid-19 shelter-in-place, Santa Cruz County Probation has had staff members step up to take on more work and help wherever they can.
One of their staff, Probation Officer Andrew Martinez, has really stood out as a hero. He and other staff members have been conducting “curbside wellness checks” with youth who are on their caseloads.
Probation Services Week Highlight: Alameda Probation Awarded Grants to provide Career Opportunities for Youth
In 2019, the Alameda probation department was awarded grant money to help youth develop tangible employment skills. Through two grants, Building Futures, and Steam Ahead,
ICYMI: Humboldt County Probation Responds to a Pandemic
It was just days before the July Fourth weekend when Humboldt County Chief Probation Officer Shaun Brenneman got the official word: A handful of California state prison inmates were being released early as COVID-19 continued to tear through state facilities. The released inmates would arrive in a couple days, Brenneman was told, including one who’d tested positive for COVID and another who’d been exposed to the deadly virus.