Purpose of Juvenile Probation
According to the federal Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), juvenile probation serves these purposes: punishing juveniles convicted of an offense, diverting juveniles from the court system and monitoring at-risk youth as a preventive measure.
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Definition
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Juvenile probation is a system of supervising youth who are guilty of a delinquent act. The court orders specific conditions that limit the youth's freedom instead of sending the juvenile to a correctional facility.
Probation as Punishment
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In some jurisdictions, probation is used primarily to punish. Conditions of probation might include community service, payment of restitution, observing a curfew or participating in a treatment program.
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Intervention
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Other jurisdictions, for example Cook County, Illinois, emphasize "interventions that serve the needs of the minor and facilitate the restoration of the victim and the community." This approach uses strategies like individual assessments, appropriate services and family support.
Prevention
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In Yuba County, California, probation works with at-risk youth and their families to increase family strength and prevent delinquent behaviors. Probation offers prevention services in addition to intervention and punishment.
Interesting Fact
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OJJDP reports that about half of juvenile offenders are placed on probation.
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