How to Know What to Expect From Your Child's Probation Officer

Juvenile probation is used to monitor youths who have been found guilty of crime. Probation allows the youth to avoid incarceration. Instead, he or she is allowed to continue as part of the community under the close watch of a probation officer. Expect a probation officer to be involved in your child's case from start to finish.

Things You'll Need

• Computer with Internet access

Instructions

1. Expect a thorough investigation. Before the trial, your child's probation officer will investigate all aspects of the case. This will necessitate conversations with both you and your child. If the crime involved a victim, the probation office may also choose to speak with this person.

2. Expect the probation office to file a report with the judge overseeing your child's case. This report will describe what was uncovered during the probation officer's investigation and make recommendations about the terms of your child's probation.

3. Prepare to be part of the process. Once a probation plan is implemented, the court expects you to do everything you can to make sure your child abides by its terms. Maintain contact with the probation officer to keep track of your child's progress.

4. Contact an advocacy group such as the American Civil Liberties Union for more information about how to help your child navigate the justice system (see Resources below).

5. Consider counseling for both you and your child. This can help both of you understand the factors behind his or her delinquency. It can also help prevent the bad behavior from being repeated.

6. Follow up with the probation officer if the disposition of your child's case requires you to do so. For example, the probation officer may recommend that the child meet certain conditions (such as performing community service). Make sure you understand these conditions and the procedures for notifying the probation officer that they have been met.

7. Visit the Web site of the National Center for Juvenile Justice (see Resources below) for information on the juvenile justice system in your state. This Web site addresses topics including probation and probation officers and provides links to other sources.

Tips & Warnings

• Know your juvenile's legal rights. All individuals must be informed of their Fifth Amendment rights when taken into police custody. These grant people in custody the right to remain silent and to retain the services of an attorney. If a detained individual isn't made aware of these rights, statements and confessions made in custody cannot be used in his or her court case.

• If your child is placed on juvenile probation, know the process may be psychologically taxing for you both. Your child may chafe under the restrictions placed by his or her probation officer. The burden of providing both discipline and emotional support for your child during this difficult time may present significant challenges for you as a parent.