How to Become a Juvenile Officer

The U.S. juvenile justice system employs both correctional and probation officers. A juvenile correctional officer maintains the security and order at a juvenile detention facility while a juvenile probation officer monitors and mentors juveniles who've been placed on probation. Individual city or county governments are typically responsible for determining the basic requirements for either position; however, the qualifications tend to be similar from one agency to another.

Instructions

Juvenile Correctional Officer

1. Obtain your high school diploma or equivalent.

2. Attain the age of 21. Although some facilities may employ younger juvenile correctional officers, most require you to be at least 21 years old.

3. Enroll in college-level classes in psychology, criminal justice or sociology. Not all juvenile correctional officer positions require college level credits, but many do. Even if the job for which you're applying doesn't require college, completion of classes that pertain to the position can only help improve your chances of being hired.

4. Submit to a background investigation. While the application process will differ from one facility to the next, all juvenile correctional officer positions will require you to submit to a thorough background investigation.

5. Complete any required training once you're hired. Most facilities require officers to complete a training program before coming into contact with the juvenile population housed at the facility.

Juvenile Probation Officer

1. Obtain your high school diploma or equivalent.

2. Graduate from a bachelor's degree program. There is no specific major required to become a juvenile probation officer; however, criminal justice, psychology or social work are common majors for anyone who plans to work as a probation officer. While not all juvenile probation officer positions require a bachelor's degree, many do and most require at least some college credit in a related field.

3. Gain experience working in the juvenile justice field. Some positions require you to have previous experience in the field, such as working as a correctional officer, summer intern or volunteer with a juvenile agency.

4. Submit to a thorough background check. Anyone working closely with juveniles, particularly in a one-on-one situation, must pass a background check.

Tips & Warnings

• For a juvenile probation officer position, look into volunteering with the local juvenile court system while you're in college to gain experience.

• Agencies vary with regard to what will automatically disqualify you on a background check. A prior felony conviction or a conviction relating to minors is likely to disqualify you.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Correctional Officers
• Cosa Valley Youth Services: Juvenile Detention Officer
• San Joaquin County: Juvenile Justice Officer
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Probation Officers
• County of San Bernardino: Probation Officer
• California Employment Development Department: Probation Officers and Parole Agents