Alameda County Probation Department, Don Blevins, Chief Probation Officer, Juvenile Services Division

The Community Probation Program integrates the work of probation officers, community police officers, student interns, and other community service agencies to assist youth that have been placed on probation and their families. The Community Probation Officer, with assistance of interns, brings youth, their families, and neighboring resources together to support the minor in successfully completing his or her probation and establishing a successful lifestyle in the community. The team monitors compliance with probation conditions, ensures that minors follow through with paying restitution to victims, and provides referrals and opportunities to complete community service orders.

The goal of the Community Probation program is to marshal the resources of the probation youth's family, school and neighborhood to optimize preventative services and eliminate behaviors leading to chronic delinquency. The program recognizes the importance of including the minor's family in a team process that will promote improved relationships and positive community adjustment.

The Alameda County Probation Department has assigned at least one Probation Officer to each city in Alameda County. The Probation Officers are community oriented with offices located in schools or neighborhood agencies within their assigned communities. They are each provided with a laptop computer and a cell phone to allow them to perform their duties within their designated community areas.

Each Probation Officer has the assistance of paid interns that are recruited from local colleges and universities to address needs related to school performance, substance abuse services, and vocational assistance. Tutoring groups, job assistance, and access for help with drug abuse are some of the services provided.

The Probation Officer will assess the needs of the minors assigned to them and will develop a case plan with the minor and his or her family. The plan may include counseling, tutoring, recreation, drug education and/or counseling, anger management, victim reconciliation, health class, vocational class, and/or special activities. Parents are also provided with special support services and family assistance.

Partnerships & the Community Team
The Community Probation program partners with local police, schools, community based organizations and community leaders to help youth that have been placed on probation and their families. The program promotes healthy youth and families through family-focused and community-based services.

For more information, contact the program:
Community Probation, North County 510-577-5669
Community Probation, South County 510-670-5800