Probation & Programs

Probation

The word "probation" is derived from the Latin term "probare" which means "to prove." In the case of a juvenile placed on probation, the court's order to place the juvenile in detention or to commit the juvenile to Ohio Department of Youth Services (ODYS) is "suspended," which means indefinitely delayed, provided the juvenile complies with the terms and conditions of probation.

Probation means the juvenile must prove himself/herself worthy of continuing to avoid detention by attending counseling, submitting to drug testing, and by following all laws and parental directions. If the juvenile complies with the terms and conditions of probation, the detention order will not be imposed. If the juvenile violates probation, the juvenile's suspended placement or commitment may be imposed and the juvenile will be placed in detention, or committed to ODYS.

The court employs probation officers, who monitor the juvenile's behavior and make sure the juvenile follows the terms and conditions of probation.

Programs

The court provides counseling and motivational activities designed to assist juveniles in dealing with adolescent problems, and to learn to make better judgments about how to conduct themselves and become productive members of society. Attendance at such programs may be a condition of probation. Some juveniles are merely ordered to attend programs without placement on probation.

Parole

In situations where the juvenile has been committed to ODYS, the institution in which the juvenile has been placed may determine that a juvenile may be released from custody, provided he/she follows the conditions of parole. If the juvenile complies with the conditions of parole, the juvenile may continue to avoid further detention. If the juvenile fails to comply with the conditions of parole, the juvenile may be returned to the detention institution.