Harris is just one of thousands of juvenile probation officers in the United States, and like so many of the others she plays a vital role in the development of the children she comes in contact with.
The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention estimates that more than half of all juvenile cases brought before a court system result in a child being sentenced to probation.
In , there were just under half a million cases that involved a child being placed on probation for some period of time. She must see to it they come home on time, get along with their parents and stay out of trouble along the way. But Harris does much more than enforce the wishes of the court. In addition to being a probation officer to these children, Harris is a friendly confidante, and, at times, a de facto mother who is there to listen.
Youth probation varies tremendously from state to state and from county to county. Some jurisdictions tend to be more punitive; others are more reconstructive, using their resources for rehabilitation. He monitors the offender's activities and behaviors to see that they comply with court orders. A bachelor's degree is normally required. A probation officer needs excellent communication skills, especially with regard to listening.
He must listen to and understand court orders about monitoring the offender's activities. He must also listen to the offender, his employer and others involved in his life to find out whether he is in compliance. A probation officer needs the ability to help the offender understand what is expected of him in terms during the probation. In court, the probation officer must be able to communicate recommendations on probation terms for the offender.
Some perceive probation officers as hard-edged, but a good probation officer needs the ability to build relationships. He must establish rapport with offenders to get them to open up and listen to direction.
He must also maintain good relationships in the community, with families of the offender, local service agencies, and other support systems that help the offender get back on his feet.
Some juvenile probation officers head to the local juvenile detention center after work each night to visit with adolescents on their case load. This can make a big difference in the lives of the people you serve, since you may be a reliable role model for at-risk youths. To thrive in this job, you should have strong communication skills, a fervent desire to serve your community, and the ability to provide thorough and accurate documentation.
While much of your time may be spent meeting with teens and handling probation issues, you must also keep documentation of everything you do. Your notes may be used in probation hearings and other types of legal proceedings, so this is a crucial part of the job. Find out how you can work with juveniles with a degree in criminal justice.
Contact the schools in your area to learn more today! Skip to content. Quickly Browse this Page. Home Juvenile Probation Officer Juvenile Probation Officer Sometimes, youths and adolescents move off the straight and narrow path, leading them to run afoul of the law. Featured Programs:. Request Info. Post University Featured Program: A. Learn More.
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