Napa County Probation Specialist Honored With Statewide Award

NAPA COUNTY, CA— A specialist with the Napa County Probation Department's Juvenile Placement Unit was recently recognized with a statewide award.

Chris Van Orden was honored Dec. 9 at the 2021 Annual Chief Probation Officers of California Awards Ceremony as the Trainer of the Year, an award presented to a California county probation instructor whose contributions are instrumental in the delivery of successful training to the probation industry.

Van Orden was among 13 award recipients celebrated for their work and dedication to the transformation of adults and youth who are seeking to live healthy, productive lives outside of the justice system, according to a news release.

"We are proud to honor our highly educated and trained officers and staff who showcase a commitment to their probation clients and the safety of our communities," said Steven Sentman, CPOC president and Orange County chief probation officer.

"Their ability to connect justice-involved individuals with the resources and tools they need to succeed, combined with their ability to appropriately balance opportunity and accountability, sets members of this profession apart," Sentman said. "This year’s awardees provide hope, help and accountability needed to transform lives and create long-term safety in our communities. We appreciate all they do to deliver sustainable, common-sense safety.”

The CPOC Awards Committee evaluated submissions from probation departments throughout the state and selected awardees who demonstrated exceptional leadership, commitment and passion for their work. They highlight some of the best in the probation profession and system partners that push the envelope, going above and beyond to keep communities safe and helping justice-involved individuals transition to a healthy pathway, according to the news release.

Trainer Of The Year: Chris Van Orden, Napa County

Van Orden, the Continuum of Care Reform specialist for Napa County, serves as the Child and Family Team facilitator and trainer for the county of Napa and has worked with numerous county departments in that capacity.

He is also the probation representative on the county’s Resource Family Approval team.

Van Orden has facilitated CPOC’s “Child and Family Team Facilitation” training, as well as “California Integrated Core Practice Model'' course. Not only has he delivered these trainings, but he has represented probation in a statewide workgroup.

"Van Orden played a key role in adapting these trainings to be specific to Probation, ensured that they were interactive and assisted in developing other Probation trainers," CPOC said in a news release. "Attendees of his training found Van Orden not only to be an extraordinary trainer, but also a model CFT facilitator. The constant use of positive reinforcement and reflections elicited strong participation and engagement from the attendees. The participants expressed appreciation of how Van Orden brought the practical application to the training."

Van Orden's work focused on helping justice-involved youth access and navigate the wrap-around services they need to get onto healthier pathways.

"By providing young people with accountability and opportunity, he is working to improve safety for our youth and our larger community."