Probation officers are people who deal directly with a person who has been given probation instead of jail time or a person who has served time in prison and has been released on parole. The difference between a probation officer (PO) and a juvenile probation officer (JPO) is the age of the person.

Juvenile probation officers will only work with youth and those under the age of 18. Their primary focus is to keep a record of their client's actions and report those to the judge who handles the case. Although they are often considered a thorn in the side of somebody who doesn't want to be monitored, they still play an important social role in helping those individuals who need supervision during probation.

What kind of experience does it take to become a juvenile probation officer?

A bachelor's degree is usually required; it can be in criminal justice, social work or even psychology. Some employers may even require a master's degree in the same fields. Applicants must also be able to pass written and physical tests. Most of the time, it depends on the qualifications requested by the agency.

It also takes a tough mental state to be able to work with the youth who commit crimes. A JPO will work with an individual from the day of their probation till the end. They are responsible for all paperwork and must be current on all laws concerning juvenile rights. They will usually visit the juvenile at their work or home to conduct counseling sessions.

Why would you want to become a juvenile probation officer?

Many people who have a degree in social work do so to help young people straighten out their lives. It takes dedication to integrate those who committed crime and been in jail back into society. It is a thankless job by the private sector standards, but life changing for the people that they help.

Many who are in this field are former juvenile offenders themselves and feel a strong need to give back to their communities. They help those struggling with potential prison time another way out. A strong commitment to help others is a plus.

Who does a juvenile probation officer work for?

They generally work with judges in the court system. A juvenile probation officer will communicate with judges regarding information obtained while monitoring the juvenile. They have the power to recommend sentencing based on the progress of the juvenile. They also carry out drug tests and interview family members and also employers and people who are in contact with the juvenile offender.

A JPO will work for a year under a probationary period, often called trainees. They will be offered permanent position once they have been evaluated, tested and trained. They may be required to work in a high crime area or in an institution.

Although this career choice is not considered glamorous by any means, it does have a rewarding factor. Being able to help those who need it by teaching them to understand their actions and help to rectify them through proper channels helps strengthen a community. A juvenile probation officer can help teens cope with a stressful home life, education dilemmas and societal problems.

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