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The services of any
juvenile court can be quite complex and diverse, but the
probation department is regarded as the cornerstone of these
services. Probation, whereby a community control counselor
actively supervises and monitors an offender’s adjustment in
his/her home, school and community is still the most widely
used court technique to address severe unruly and delinquent
behavior. It is used after an official court order by the
judge or magistrate is issued.
The primary
objectives of probation are to protect the community, to
hold the offender accountable for his/her behavior and to
provide programming which addresses individual and family
growth issues. The underlying assumption is that the
individual can best be helped within the community, as
opposed to placement in an institutional setting.
Probation is a
privilege and not an individual right. It works best with
individuals who are willing to participate and cooperate.
Community control supervision enables the offender to remain
in the community while assisting him/her in making the
necessary behavioral and attitudinal changes to function
within the law.
When an offender in
this court is placed on probation, it is for an unspecified
period of time; however, the average length of supervision
is six to nine months. Probation discharge is initiated by
a recommendation from the community control counselor, but
becomes official only upon approval of the Judge.
The rules of
probation are the most important tools a community control
counselor utilizes to maintain acceptable behavior and to
effect change. These rules, which are mandated by an order
of the court, are designed to establish behavioral
guidelines. The following are the general rules for
community control for this court:
Rules of Probation
1. You will obey all city, county,
state and federal laws.
2.
You will notify your probation
counselor, immediately, if you are questioned or have
contact with any law enforcement officer.
3. You will obey your parent(s) or
guardian. Your parents will know and approve of your
whereabouts at all times. Cooperate with parents to resolve
any differences.
4. You will not leave the state,
change your address, withdraw from school, get married or
move from the county without permission of your probation
counselor.
5. You will not possess a firearm,
knife or other dangerous weapon.
6. You will not possess or use
alcohol or drugs or go to places where alcohol is sold, or
be with people under the influence or in possession of drugs or
alcohol. You may be given random urinalysis tests by your
probation counselor or court staff.
7. You and your parent(s) will
immediately search all your belongings and all areas which
you have access to (residence, vehicles, etc.) to remove all
contraband (drugs, drug paraphernalia, weapons, etc.). If
any contraband is found, you and your parents shall
immediately deliver them to the probation counselor. Any
contraband found after this search will be presumed to have
come into your possession after being placed under probation
supervision.
8. Report to your probation counselor
as directed.
9. You will observe a curfew of
__________________ on week nights and ___________ on
weekends. You will stay at your residence unless otherwise
permitted by your probation counselor.
10. You will work in the court’s
restitution/community service program for any of the
following: victim restitution, fines and court costs,
community service or suspended/expelled from school.
11. Attend school regularly. No
truancy. Obey school rules. Report any absences,
suspensions or expulsions promptly to your probation
counselor. Upon the request of the school superintendents,
any violations of probation that are in violation of school
rules will be reported.
12. You will attend a counseling
program as directed by your probation counselor.
13. No gang membership, affiliation or
activities related to gangs.
14. All personal property that is in
violation of probation rules will be confiscated and
destroyed. |
