Probation Services

Juvenile probation officers are responsible for a child’s case from the time a petition is filed until the probation term expires. Probation officers conduct comprehensive assessments on each child and family to determine the most effective plan to recommend to the Court for its consideration. The most frequently used disposition is probation in the community with the child residing at home. The juveniles are given specific conditions of probation to follow, which the probation officers monitor and reports to the Court.

The department follows a level system, Progressive Sanctions guidelines, and an individualized assessment that determines the level of supervision, restrictions and programming for each juvenile. Probation officers maintain frequent contact with their juvenile offenders, monitor compliance with court-ordered conditions and act accordingly when violations occur. A probation officer’s job is to make a positive change in a child’s life.

 The department has numerous programs and services that the juvenile and/or parent are required to attend:

1.Drug and Alcohol Counseling
2.Family Counseling
3. Anger Management Counseling
4. Parenting Classes
5. Community Service Restitution
6. Psychiatric and Psychological Evaluations
7. SOS ( Strategies on Success Program )
8 Sex Offender Counseling Service
9. Sex Offender Assessments and Evaluations
10. Residential Post Release Program
 

For additional information regarding any probation program or service, please contact Paul Zuniga, Assistant Chief or Suzanne Tristan, Juvenile Probation Officer Supervisor at (361)575-0399.

   
Paul Zuniga, Assistant Chief


Suzanne Tristan, JPO Supervisor

1.  Drug and Alcohol Counseling:  counseling is provided as needed by a licensed drug and alcohol treatment agency.

a.         Group - 21-session program providing education and methods of prevention. (outpatient) Residential juveniles receive group counseling on a daily basis.

 b.         Individual - sessions on an as needed basis (outpatient and residential)

2. Family Counseling:  individual counseling that provides coping skills and methods of discipline to use in a home setting for parents and juveniles.  (outpatient and residential)

3.Anger Management Counseling:  therapy aimed at teaching the juvenile how to redirect negative behavior brought about by anger.  This includes means-end reasoning, communication and self-analysis.  (outpatient and residential)

4.Parenting Classes:  6 week-session program that teaches parents how to apply and enforce consequences for their childs behavior and how to recognize the signs of drug/alcohol use and gang involvement.

5.Community Service Restitution :  hours scheduled throughout the year.

6. Psychiatric and Psychological Evaluations:  Juveniles will be evaluated as ordered by the court or when deemed necessary by this department.

7. S.O.S ( Strategies on Success Program)
Juveniles are required to attend weekly 90 minute groups for a ten week period. Class discussions and "hands on" activities deal with topics such as expressing feelings appropriately, managing anger, communication, social skills goals and teamwork. Designed for males and females in separate classes.

8. Sex Offender Counseling Services: This agency will provide court-ordered sex offender counseling as well as family counseling, polygraphs and chaperone training to the juvenile and/or their parent.

9. Sex Offender Assessments and Evaluations:  Psychological evaluations for sex offenders prior to the disposition.

10. Residential Post Release Program: (Aftercare)   This program assists juveniles in the Post-Adjudication Placement Program with reintegration into the community.  A Success Plan is developed and arrangements are made for any counseling services for the juvenile and the family prior to release.