NCJ Number
63041
Date Published
1979
Length
46 pages
Annotation
A HANDBOOK FOR VOLUNTEERS WORKING WITH THE ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA, PROBATION DEPARTMENT IS PRESENTED; PROBATION SERVICES, GUIDELINES FOR A ONE-TO-ONE ASSIGNMENT, AND OTHER INFORMATION ARE PROVIDED.
Abstract
BEFORE MEETING WITH THE CLIENT, THE VOLUNTEER SHOULD UNDERSTAND WHY THE DUTY PROBATION OFFICER REQUESTED A VOLUNTEER AND WHAT IS EXPECTED OF HIM. THE PROBATION OFFICER WILL FAMILIARIZE THE VOLUNTEER WITH THE PROBATIONER'S BACKGROUND, THE NATURE OF THE OFFENSE, AND PROBATION CONDITIONS. THIS INFORMATION MUST REMAIN CONFIDENTIAL; THE VOLUNTEER MUST NOT DISCUSS THE CLIENT WITH ANYONE EXCEPT THE PROBATION OFFICER. IN WORKING WITH THE CLIENT, THE VOLUNTEER SHOULD BECOME ACQUAINTED WITH OTHER MEMBERS OF THE PROBATIONER'S FAMILY, ASSUME THE ROLE OF A GOOD LISTENER DURING INITIAL CONTACTS, BE NONJUDGMENTAL, COMMUNICATE WITH PROBATIONERS ON THEIR LEVEL, BE PATIENT AND ACCEPT SETBACKS, AND NEVER LET THE PROBATIONER DOWN EVEN IN APPARENTLY SMALL WAYS LIKE MISSING AN APPOINTMENT. VOLUNTEERS WITH SAFE DRIVING RECORDS AND PROPER INSURANCE ARE AUTHORIZED TO TRANSPORT CLIENTS WITHIN ORANGE COUNTY. THEY MAY ALSO SUPERVISE CLIENTS DURING FIELD OUTINGS, WHERE A RATION OF ONE VOLUNTEER TO FOUR PROBATONERS MUST BE MAINTAINED. IT IS HELPFUL FOR THE VOLUNTEER TO BECOME FAMILIAR WITH THE BASIC STRUCTURE OF THE JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM, TYPES OF HEARINGS, AND LEGAL TERMINOLOGY. FOR EXAMPLE, JUVENILE COURT PROCEEDINGS ARE DEEMED CIVIL RATHER THAN CRIMINAL, AND THE PROCESS IS ACCOMPLISHED 'IN BEHALF OF THE MINOR.' THE PROBATION OFFICER IS CHARGED WITH THE RESPONSIBILITY OF COMMUNITY PROTECTION THROUGH LEGALLY MANDATED DIRECT SERVICES TO OFFENDERS UNDER THE COURT'S JURISDICTION. A LIST OF FREE AND INEXPENSIVE THINGS FOR VOLUNTEERS TO DO WITH PROBATIONERS, SUCH AS VISITING KNOTT'S BERRY FARM OR HERITAGE PARK, IS PROVIDED IN THE HANDBOOK. (LWM)