News
Probation During COVID-19: Feeding the Homeless
El Dorado Probation Youth and Staff Cook Over 3,000 Meals for Locals
In response to COVID-19, Governor Newsom authorized $150 million in March 2020 to establish Project Roomkey, a program that allows counties to provide shelter options for people experiencing homelessness to minimize the strain on local health care systems. Project Roomkey offers people experiencing homelessness exposed to or recovering from COVID-19 a safe place to properly quarantine outside of a hospital, especially if they are at high risk for medical complications.
ICYMI: Pilot program at San Benito Juvenile Hall aims to change youth behavior
By Noe Magaña
Eight current and former youths in custody in San Benito County Juvenile Hall were celebrated on Jan. 8 in a virtual graduation ceremony for a new program called Believe to Achieve, which teaches participants about goals, responsibility and accountability. Half of the residents remain in juvenile hall, while the others completed the program upon release.
San Joaquin County Probation’s Passport Program: Steven’s Story
As a child, Steven grew up with neglectful parents and was placed in a group home. He had a very rough life in and out of the system for what felt like a lifetime. Steven suffered from an addiction to harmful substances and alcohol.
He always wanted a change in his life but never knew how to ask or get the help he needed.
After years of unsuccessful attempts to get his life on a better path, Steven and his family moved to Stockton.
ICYMI: Probation Officer Awarded For Youth Education Initiatives
By Payton Potter
From Patch.
A Riverside County probation officer was given the Chief Probation Officers of California 2020 Award of Excellence for his work educating county youths.
The Riverside County Probation Department said the award is given to a probation employee who has made significant contributions to the profession in the year prior.
ICYMI: Removing Barriers & Changing Young Lives
By Jonathan Whitaker
From the Merced County Times.
For someone like Kelly Turner, a fulfilling life is being wide awake at 5:30 a.m. for the drive to Los Banos where a troubled young man is in need of a ride to court.
It’s a 19-hour Saturday for a field trip to Folsom Prison where a group of teens experience a heartfelt and emotional intervention program and then a decompression dinner in Sacramento.
CPOC President Statement on Governor’s Budget Proposal and DJJ Closure Date
Sacramento, CA, January 8, 2021 – The Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC) President Chief Steve Sentman issued the following statement in response to Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposed budget.
ICYMI: Santa Barbara Probation Conducts Wellness Checks in “Operation Safe at Home”
On December 17, 2020, the Santa Barbara County Probation Department, in collaboration with the Office of the District Attorney, Victim Services Division, conducted county-wide wellness checks on active probation clients. The operation specifically focused on probationers where it was determined there were children, victims, or vulnerable adults in the home. These cases included but were not limited to domestic violence, child abuse, elder abuse, family violence, and where there was a child likely residing in the home.
ICYMI: CPOC nominates Ken Gnoss California’s Judicial Officer of the Year
By Chris Smith
From The Press-Democrat.
Ken Gnoss, the former police office and criminal prosecutor who in 2005 became a Sonoma County judge, is what I’ve long considered to be an exceptionally good guy.
Members of the state Chief Probation Officers of California heartily agree.
Press Release: Exemplary Adult and Juvenile Justice System Leaders Recognized for Contribution to their Community at Chief Probation Officers of California Ceremony
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – December 3, 2020 – Exemplary adult and juvenile justice system leaders throughout California were recognized for their community contributions with awards from the Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC). Awardees were celebrated for their dedication to the rehabilitation of adults and youth working to live independent, healthy lives away from the criminal justice system.
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.
