Youth Probation & Parole

A juvenile who cannot obey community supervision terms will receive prison time.

Youth probation, or juvenile probation, is granted to a child who commits a crime. Instead of receiving a referral to a youth detention facility, the juvenile may be granted community supervision in the form of probation. Youth or juvenile parole is granted to the minor who completes a certain amount of time in a youth detention facility. The juvenile receives early release but is monitored in or paroled into the community. The most important aspect of juvenile probation or parole is that the youth remain law-abiding.

Probation

A juvenile who is placed on probation must abide by court-ordered conditions and terms. Standard terms of probation are given to all juveniles and include such terms as: obey all laws and your parent or guardian, abide by curfew regulations, attend school, complete counseling and community service hours, do not use any illegal substances and do not associate with any other criminals. In addition, there may be special conditions relevant to the specific offense. For example, the juvenile may need to pay restitution to the victim and may be directed to have no contact with the victim or with the co-defendants. Counseling is often an important aspect of juvenile probation and is mandated based on the needs of the child.

Probation Violation

Should the juvenile fail to abide by the terms and conditions of probation, she can receive enhanced sanctions. These may include additional probation terms or intensive probation supervision. Sometimes a sentence to a juvenile facility is appropriate.

Parole

At the completion of their sentence, all juveniles will be returned to the community. The need to maintain public safety and to ensure this transition occurs as smoothly as possible is a priority for most juvenile parole departments. Goals and a specific case management plan are determined and reviewed with the juvenile and his family regularly. A progression of greater responsibility and freedom granted through an adjustment of supervision levels also assists the youth in this transition.

Parole Violation

Should the juvenile abscond from parole or fail to abide by the terms of parole, she will be arrested and placed into custody.

Additional Considerations

In New Hampshire, for example, the maximum age for a juvenile referral is 16, according to information obtained from the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. Children older than 17 may be transferred to adult court. All children may not be appropriate for juvenile probation. Some children, such as those who are very young or first-time offenders, may receive diversion instead of placement on probation.

References

• Florida Department of Juvenile Justice: What is Juvenile Probation?
• New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission: Office of Juvenile Parole and Transitional Services
• New Hampshire DHHS: FAQs for Juvenile Probation and Parole