Main Conditions of Juvenile Probation - Report Example

            The main purpose of Juvenile probation is to assist the individual legally and emotionally in order to adjust him to his peculiar situation in life. Its aim is to save those upon whom the burdens of life bear heavily and who without help and guidance might be lost. “Juvenile Probation Officers are responsible for the guidance and supervision of juveniles between the ages of 10 through 17 years who are referred by local police departments, agencies, or private citizens as a result of having committed a crime which is considered to be an offense or a felony.

Additionally, probation officers ensure that juveniles who are placed on probation abide by their probation rules, receive appropriate Court related services, are referred to other community services when necessary, and coordinate with schools, agencies, employment/training programs, and other services within the community". (2006a)"The Juvenile probation officer supervises and reports on the conduct of youth offenders committed to the state's custody as ordered by the judge. He also assesses the youth's needs, develops and coordinate case plans in the community or correctional setting, arranges for and coordinate community services that support the youth's plan, monitor the youth's behavior to make certain he or she follows the provisions of the parole or probation agreement, and enforce court orders". (2006c)The foremost responsibility of the probation officer is to conduct regular meetings with youth in order to establish a healthy relationship and support just after the release from state care and custody.

The probation officer is responsible for attending case review of youth, research youth's background, family situation, a school record, and past criminal behavior; formulate and present recommendations to the court, correctional professionals, and service providers regarding the suitability of youth offenders for release under probation. . d and past criminal behavior; formulate and present recommendations to the court, correctional professionals, and service providers regarding the suitability of youth offenders for release under probation.

The probation officer also checks the availability of community resources to support the youth and families when released. He takes care of the family by collaborating with other professionals who can help the family and youth in providing support services like education or job training, drug or alcohol treatment, and other court-ordered actions such as payment of restitution or community volunteer work. The probation officer also plans objectives and court orders. (2006c)In order to bring about an improvement in environmental conditions, the probation officer uses three types of treatment: (1) removal of the child, where the home is hopelessly inadequate; (2) transplanting the home into another neighborhood, where the influence of the family itself is good, but not strong enough to counteract the bad influences of the neighborhood; (3) casework on the family, where the physical surroundings of the home and neighborhood are adequate but where personal relationships are not conducive to harmony and happiness.

Case ManagementMonitoring: The probation officer is liable to monitor the youth's adjustment to placement environments and conduct regular meetings with youth to encourage and monitor the youth's progress. Visiting: "He visits youth at approved placement, schools, and places of employment to monitor juvenile's performance. Often the probation officers investigate alleged probation violations by searching for evidence". (2006c)Responding: "Probation officer responds to emergency situations and diffuses aggressive behavior of youth by taking him into custody.

Arrange for bilingual or bicultural services to meet the needs of culturally diverse youth and families”. (2006c)       Suggesting: “Give advice to youth on pro-social behavior; discuss with offenders how such issues as drug or alcohol abuse, and anger management problems may have played roles in their criminal behavior; suggest ways to avoid criminal behavior in the future. Suggest methods for solving personal and adjustment problems; encourage youth to follow the reformation plan and explain the consequences of non-compliance.

Meet with family members to give progress reports of youth living outside the home. Encourage family members to monitor the youth and support the reformation plan. Inform foster parents of individual youth's case plan and supervision requirements. Give the advice to foster parents on supervisory techniques and setting behavioral boundaries”. (2006c)Report Writing       The probation officer also maintains paper and electronic case files and documents. “Compile reports of youth’s activities and progress, and enter data into the juvenile justice information system in order to prepare and maintain case histories.

He writes and compiles information for Interstate Compact Case documents for youth that move between states, testify in court proceedings and prepare reports for court submittal or Citizen Review Boards. The officer also prepares documents to notify victims or register sex offenders”. (2006c)Approach to reach Juveniles       As a probation officer, I would emphasize proper communication with the youth in the form of a healthy relationship. In order to gain the trust and confidence of youth involved in a case, I would brainstorm with the youth providing him with a variety of options that would proceed with the shared interests and reconcile differing interests.

While approaching towards him I would try to “identify and eliminate four major obstacles: (1) premature judgment, (2) searching for the single answer, (3) the assumptions of a fixed pie, and (4) thinking that ‘solving their problem is their problem’.” (Crawford & Richard) While communicating with suspected youth, I would monitor him while keeping an eye upon his behavior, try to find out his attitude towards his family, friends, and teachers. As a probation officer, I have to retain my patience every time I visit him and ensure him that no one would harm him.