How to Become a Youth Probation Officer

Between 1985 and 2000, the number of juvenile delinquency cases more than doubled, according to the U.S. Justice Department's Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. The largest number of cases that resulted in probation for juveniles involved drug offenses. A prospective juvenile probation officer must be knowledgeable about the reasons juveniles commit crimes and what help is available. While state requirements may vary, there is a general path to becoming a juvenile probation officer.

Instructions

1. Graduate from high school or earn your general equivalency diploma (GED). Attend an accredited college or university and earn a four-year degree in social sciences, such as criminal justice or sociology. Some employers require an advanced degree, such as a master's degree, according to Education-Portal.com. Consider earning an advanced degree to make you a stronger job candidate. Due to the large number of drug offense cases, prospective juvenile probation officers should focus on drug abuse and addiction and take courses on treatments and care programs if they are available at the college or university.

2. Acquire the requisite skills needed to be a successful juvenile probation officer. You must be able to communicate effectively and use logic and reasoning to come up with solutions to your clients' needs and problems, according to Virginia's probation officer career guide. Additionally, you must be able to teach juvenile offenders how to comply with the terms of their probation.

3. Complete any state-required training programs. In California, for example, every probation officer must complete a 200-hour probation officer training course. You must also be in good physical condition and pass a medical and psychological exam in most states.

4. Contact your state's probation board and inquire about job openings and opportunities. Consider meeting with other juvenile probation officers and volunteering your time to gain exposure and experience in the field.

References

• California Employment Development Department: Probation Officer Occupational Guide
• Virginia Employment and Resource Center: Probation Officer Career Guide
• U.S. Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention: Juvenile Court Statistics 2000
• Education-Portal: Juvenile Probation Officer Requirements