Court Ordered Formal Probation

Court Ordered Formal Probation:

Youth cases referred to the Yamhill County Department of Community Justice-Juvenile Division are first reviewed by the Deputy District Attorney for prosecution merit. If a case is determined to have prosecution merit and is a first offense (misdemeanor), many cases are processed informally or by a Formal Accountability Agreement. The determination on how a case is managed is dependent on several factors, to include, but not limited to age of youth, number of referrals, risk factors, nature of offense, victim information, youth and parent input and youth needs. Decisions are based on what disposition is in the best interests of the youth and the community.

Formal probation requires an appearance before the Judge after a petition (charges) have been filed. In all cases the Court appoints an attorney to represent the youth. However, the youth/parent(s) may choose to retain an attorney oftheir choice. If the court places a youth on probation, the youth is ordered to comply with the rules of probation for a period of time established by the Court. The Court may also order a youth to comply with additional rules associated with the needs of the youth, such as alcohol and drug treatment, mental health treatment and/or community service work. The Court may order the youth to pay restitution to a victim.

Probation youth are supervised by probation officers assigned by areas of specialty such as: first time offences, gang related behavior, sexually offending behavior, and significant drug/alcohol problems. Probation staff coordinate and communicate with other staff, treatment providers, law enforcement, detention staff, attorneys, treatment providers, child welfare agencies, parents/guardians, schools, and the community in an effort to meet the needs of the youth and the community. All probation staff receive training to encourage youth to correct their own problematic thinking. Probation staff mentor and coach youth through this process to isolate areas where the changing of their thinking can change their lives.