FAQ: Role of Probation

Common questions on the role of probation in treatment courts.

Probation departments around the country are seeing their roles shift, from one of a referee enforcing the rules to a coach helping clients overcome and win back their lives. In March 2020, Dr. Brian Lovins, principal for Justice System Partners and president-elect of the American Probation and Parole Association, presented a webinar to discuss this evolving role and what probation officers can do to both adapt and improve outcomes.

In this publication, Dr. Lovins answers questions from webinar participants on the future of the role of probation and practical steps officers can take to evolve their role.

Date: 2020