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Adopt and present a resolution recognizing July 21 through July 27, 2024, as Probation Services Week (Supervisor Vasquez)
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Director of Probation recommends the Board of Supervisors adopt and present a resolution recognizing July 21 through July 27, 2024 as Probation Services Week.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The American Probation and Parole Association (APPA) has designated July 21 through July 27, 2024 as Probation Services Week nationally. This year marks the twenty-third annual Probation Services Week, a celebration that originated in 1999 when APPA members began to request the states across the country recognize the 100,000+ people involved in community corrections. The week celebrates the valuable efforts of the dedicated Juvenile Correctional Counselors and Deputy Probation Officers who help drive significant positive changes in our County by providing justice involved individuals with the supports, services, and tools necessary to successfully remain in or reenter our community. The Solano County Probation Department (Department) recognizes the importance of raising public awareness about the services and functions of probation agencies in the community, and therefore would like to participate in the upcoming Probation Services Week. The theme for this year from APPA is “Wellness Unveiled: Navigating the Journey.”
The Department employs 95 Deputy Probation Officers, one Mental Health Clinician, three Social Workers, and four Social Service Workers to supervise and support approximately 2550 adults and 200 youth annually, and 61 Juvenile Correctional Counselors to supervise youth detained at the Juvenile Detention Facility (JDF), and the Reaching Into Successful Endeavors (RISE) Program. The Department spans public safety and social services, by helping to rehabilitate justice involved individuals using evidence-based strategies that positively change behavior and help clients become positive members of our community. The highly trained Deputy Probation Officers, Juvenile Correctional Counselors, and Social Services staff remain dedicated to making a difference in the lives of those involved in the justice system connecting them to workforce development, substance use treatment, mental health services, family engagement, and educational opportunities. These efforts increase the wellness of the client and the community.
The Department offers a cost-effective and transformative alternative to incarceration by providing a variety of services to those involved in the justice system to help them make positive changes for a safer community. This includes providing barrier removal such as short-term housing options to youth and adults, as well as provide services, such as cognitive behavioral training programs to adults at the Center for Positive Change and youth at the Youth Achievement Center and the Juvenile Detention Facility. As we strive to help those involved in the justice system, we also focus on the wellbeing of our staff by providing peer support, hosting wellness days, and providing the staff with a Probation Wellness app that contains a variety of resources.
The Department continues its goal of Reducing Recidivism Through Positive Behavior Change to help make Solano County a safer place to live, work, and play. Our dedicated staff continue to make a difference in the lives of our clients and are deserving of this recognition.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The costs associated with Probation and Community Supervision Week are nominal and will be absorbed in the Department’s FY2024/25 Working Budget. Therefore, there is no additional financial impact to the County General Fund.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board of Supervisors could choose:
1. Not to adopt the resolution; however, this alternative is not recommended since non-adoption by the Board would not bestow recognition to the Deputy Probation Officers and Juvenile Correctional Counselors during this special week.
2. To proclaim another week as Probation Services Week; however, this alternative is not recommended. APPA has nationally designated the week of July 21 through 27, 2024 as Probation Services Week.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Superior Court of Solano County, along with the Sheriff’s Office, District Attorney, Public Defender, local law enforcement agencies, and Superintendents of Schools work collaboratively, and support recognizing Deputy Probation Officers, Juvenile Correctional Counselors, and social services staff during Probation Services Week.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION