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case. Based on the nature of the offense and the findings of the investigation, the DPO will make a formal
recommendation for the disposition of the case. A youth may be placed on formal probation with a variety
of controlling terms and conditions, and allowed to remain in the home of a parent or guardian. He or she
may also be detained or placed in a foster care program, either initially or later based on subsequent
behavior.

SEALING OF RECORDS

A juvenile record may be sealed by the Juvenile Court when a youth’s case is closed successfully or when a
youth applies to have it sealed. Specified violent or aggravated offenses may preclude a record from being
sealed. In cases not sealed automatically, the DPO conducts an investigation into the behavior of the youth
since the last Court action and submits a written report and recommendation to the Court regarding the

record-sealing request. All agencies maintaining any record of the juvenile offender must destroy or delete
information pertaining to that youth when the Court orders the case sealed.

SUPERVISION

Youth who are placed on probation are supervised by DPOs in the office closest to their residence. DPOs
collaborate closely with youth, family members, educators, treatment providers, and other persons or
agencies involved with the youth. DPOs refer youth to various community-based programs or services
based on their needs. DPOs contact youth at their homes, schools, offices, programs, and in the
community. Case plans are developed with each youth and seek to address areas where needs exist while
taking advantage of existing assets, or strengths. This evidence-based and strength-based approach seeks
to bolster rehabilitative efforts and deter youth from reoffending. Juvenile probationers are required to
obey the directives of the Court, their parents, and their assigned DPO. They may be required to submit to

search of their person and property, and drug and alcohol testing. Probation terms are intended to keep
youth from engaging in illegal or high-risk behaviors and encourage prosocial behavior. Youth who violate
the conditions of their probation or commit new law offenses can be returned to court. Youth may also be
required to pay fines and/or restitution to victims or complete community service work hours.

INITIAL ASSESMENT

The SBARA is completed for most youth who are referred to the Probation Department. The SBARA
evaluates a youth’s risks and assets in various domains, and formulates an overall risk score based on an
evaluation administered by a trained DPO. Risk scores from the SBARA assist with determining appropriate
supervision strategies for assessed youth. The Department will be transitioning to a different commercially
available risk assessment instrument in order to insure continuous support and validation.

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