The Probation Levels of Juvenile Offenders
While involved in the juvenile justice system, the youth are on a probation level one or two. Regardless of level, the probation worker will work closely with the youth and parent/guardian to complete the requirements and monitor progress. Bridgeway wants the child to find success through the program, and the requirements we’ve established have been scientifically proven to work when consistently followed.
Probation Level One means the child may remain at home while working to meet court-ordered requirements.
Probation Level 1.5 means the child may remain at home and will receive a higher level of monitoring.
Probation Level Two means the child will be placed in a residential facility. The length of time a child is in a residential facility is driven by the type of crime they have been charged with and the type of services/treatment they need or that have been court - ordered.
PROBATION LEVEL ONE AND 1.5
During this level of probation, the child lives at home with the family and parents/guardians. If the treatment plan is followed and requirements fulfilled, this typically only lasts six to nine months; however, the jurist has the final say. The probation worker must meet with the child face-to-face at least once per week at level one, and face-to-face twice per week with additional phone contact at level 1.5.
While working with Bridgeway, the child must:
Probation Level Two
During this level of probation, the child lives in an out-of-home residential facility. The facility will be dependent upon the child’s security level and their specific treatment needs. How long the child is in placement will be dependent upon his/her treatment and how he/she progresses through the program.
Typically, substance abuse programs last 90 days, sex offender programs 18-24 months, secure programs 9-12 months, and nonsecure programs 6-9 months, although the jurist has the final say. The probation worker must meet face-to-face with the child at least once per month.
While the child is in placement, after-care planning will take place with the parents/guardians. Home passes will be implemented into the child’s treatment plan to help him/her transition back home. If these out-of-facility trips go well and requirements are completed, the probation officer will petition the court to de-escalate the child to probation level one, which would allow him/her to return home permanently.