Probation Chief Honors Staff Who Keep Communities Safe

Press release from the County of Santa Cruz:

July 17, 2020

Probation Services Week Commemorates Work of Probation Professionals Probation Service Week takes place July 19-25, and Santa Cruz County Chief Probation Officer Fernando Giraldo is pleased to honor probation professionals who keep communities safe.

Throughout the week, the Probation Department will showcase its work throughout the county, including how probation officers and probation programs make a difference in the lives of clients by using evidence-based practices that help achieve long-term success. “Our community should be proud of our probation officers who serve our most vulnerable populations each and every day, dedicated to their well-being and shared safety of Santa Cruz County,” Giraldo said.

Probation has proven to be successful in multiple facets of the juvenile and criminal justice system. Probation is committed to transforming lives of our clients to stop the cycle of crime and create safer communities. Apart from providing scientifically-proven care to all clients, Probation works alongside community groups to connect clients with resources and programs they need to grow successfully. Probation officers and staff are dedicated to serving communities and helping clients end the cycle of crime through the use of evidence-based practices and programming proven to reduce recidivism, and are committed to providing quality supervision and client support, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In Santa Cruz, the global pandemic has exacerbated the harsh socio-economic conditions of many clients. Probation staff have conducted curbside wellness checks where food, snacks, face coverings and diapers are dropped off for families in need, one of many examples of the Department’s work to assist families and keep everyone safe.

“Probation Departments have a profound impact on the safety and health of our communities by working to reduce recidivism through evidence-based programming and supervision. Probation’s success ensures that our state’s communities are a safer environment for all Californians to live and prosper,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a proclamation commemorating Probation Services Week.

This press release was produced by the County of Santa Cruz. The views expressed here are the author's own.