Juvenile Supervision

Juvenile Supervision Manager Melanie Esque

Esque headshotMelanie has worked in probation for over 20 years. She has extensive experience working with youth and adults in institutions, court and field services. Melanie values opportunities for officers to learn and become better officers. She has taught probation staff throughout the state for over 15 years. She enjoys teaching staff at the beginning of their career and as they promote to ensure they have the knowledge and tools as they continue their career in probation.

Mission:

Enhance public safety through innovative supervision practices that leverage collaborative partnerships to balance accountability with needs of the youthful offender.

Juvenile Probation

IMG_2113The juvenile division is responsible for reviewing all juvenile related police reports and citations in order to ensure they are appropriately handled through the court process or utilizing our diversion programs. When a youth is placed on probation by the Court, they will be supervised in the community by a probation officer who will assess them according to their individual risks and needs. Youth will be referred to programs related to their rehabilitation and supervision with the focus on maintaining a law-abiding lifestyle. Along with assisting youth in completing community service, attending school, and establishing positive peer relationships; officers make regular contact with youth at their home, school, and work. Through its partnership with the Children’s System of Care (CSOC), officers can bring services to youth more efficiently and utilize their expertise to serve at-risk youth.

Juvenile Reports

Division officers prepare a written report for the courts that provide a recommendation as to how the youth will be supervised on probation. The recommendation is based, in part, on the youth’s needs; social, delinquent, and family history; and circumstances surrounding the offense.

Juvenile and Family Treatment Court

BadgeThis intensive supervision program addresses the needs of substance-abusing youth utilizing an evidence-based treatment modality in collaboration with Children’s System of Care (CSOC). The youth are drug tested multiple times a week and participate in “Seven Challenges” group with a CSOC therapist. Each participant is required to appear before the Judge every month to highlight progress and address concerns. Incentives, graduated sanctions, and physical fitness are built into the program to encourage behavior change.