News Coverage

Article

Marin County Probation Joint Domestic Violence Operation Supports ‘Don’t be a Bully’ Month

From Marin County

MARIN COUNTY, Calif​., – September 3, 2026 – The Marin County Probation Department recently worked with the San Rafael Police Department and the Coordination of Probation Enforcement (COPE) Team to conduct compliance checks of individuals on supervised probation for domestic violence-related offenses. All individuals contacted during the August 31 domestic violence prevention operation were found to be compliant with the terms and conditions of their probation.

The operation reinforced offender accountability while supporting and educating families about the different forms of bullying, and sharing resources to help identify, prevent, and address bullying. 

…Family members and survivors who were contacted reported that things were going well in the home, their partner/family member was attending the batterers intervention program (designed to address intimate partner violence), they were employed and not using illegal substances or alcohol. 

One survivor stated she was grateful for the checks because they help to hold her partner accountable. Another survivor reported that she feels empowered to contact probation or law enforcement if her partner becomes abusive. 

Through education, outreach, and positive interactions with survivors and families, the Probation Department and its local partner agencies can help foster safer and stronger communities.

Read the full article here.

 

Article Karen Pank

ICYMI: Governor Newsom’s Juvenile Justice Experiment is Failing By Design

By Karen Pank, Executive Director, Chief Probation Officers of California. Originally published in Los Angeles Daily News.

Close the youth prisons first. Invent the replacement later. That was California’s plan.

To understand how we got here, step back. From 2000 to 2019, California’s juvenile justice system made historic gains. With state support during that time, county probation departments cut juvenile arrests by 73 percent and kept more than 90 percent of youth who committed crimes in the community instead of locked facilities….

Then the design changed. In 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 823, which closed the Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ), and shifted California’s highest-risk, highest-need youth onto the counties. Probation departments warned that closing DJJ without a focused replacement would fail the young people the state claimed to be helping. The warnings were ignored.

Article

El Dorado County Probation Department Hosts Bread & Broth Adopt A Day

From South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif​., – August 20, 2026 – The El Dorado County Probation Department plays an important role in making the Lake Tahoe South Shore a great place to live for all community members. The department is committed to promoting public safety through collaborative partnerships and innovative correctional practices. To help create a safe community and support people in improving their lives, its services include assistance with housing, employment, food, education, and mental health.

In addition to their professional duties, department members are encouraged to get involved and give back to the community by participating in blood drives and other charitable events. Bread & Broth is fortunate to be one of the nonprofit organizations the Department has selected as a charity it supports.

The local probation department also supports Bread & Broth for a personal reason: its connection to a former team member. According to Pat Adams, probation officer, the department hosts an Adopt A Day “in honor of Desiree and her love of Bread & Broth. She was an amazing person, and she lived life by helping others.”

According to Cindy Archer, the evening’s Bread & Broth Adopt A Day crew coordinator, “The team was helpful and easy to work with. Once they arrived, they got busy right away, despite the fact that only Pat had participated in a Monday Meal back in July 2025.” Joining Pat were first-time Adopt A Day Probation Department volunteers Brianne James, probation officer, and Kaci Smith, chief probation officer.

“I was honored to work alongside the Bread & Broth volunteer team at St. Theresa’s Grace Hall and serve the residents of South Lake Tahoe,” said Kaci. “On behalf of the El Dorado County Probation Department, thank you for the support you give to our community.”

According to the El Dorado County Probation Department website, the department strives to carry out its mission with accountability and compassion to create a safe community through changed lives. Hosting a hot, nutritious meal in an environment that treats all dinner guests with dignity and compassion is another way the department supports that mission.

Read the full article here.

 

Article

Ventura County Probation Juvenile Facilities Client Earns Two Associate Degrees While in Care

From Ventura County Probation Agency

VENTURA COUNTY, Calif. —​ September 3, 2026 — A Ventura County Juvenile Facilities client recently reached a significant educational milestone, earning two Associate of Arts degrees from Oxnard College while in the care of Ventura County.

Alex earned degrees in Society, Human Behavior and Culture and Creative Arts and Humanities, completing both programs through his commitment to education while at the facility.

Article

San Francisco Juvenile Probation Marks Probation Services Week with Hiking, Dance, and Fun Competitive Games

SAN FRANCISCO – Last week, the San Francisco Juvenile Probation Department (JPD) proudly celebrated Probation Services Week 2026 by honoring the vital, compassionate, and often unsung work of its dedicated professionals who serve youth and young adults in the juvenile justice system.

With a mix of history, art, and camaraderie, the week’s events showcased the department’s deep roots in San Francisco and its ongoing commitment to safe, rehabilitative, and community-centered services.