The Columbia County Probation Department conducts intake, investigation and supervision activities as prescribed by the Family Court Act, and other applicable laws and regulations. Intake was designed to relieve the burden of case pressure on the Family Court system. At the Intake stage, this department offers various “adjustment” services for Juvenile Delinquents (JDs) and Persons in Need of Supervision (PINS). JD cases involve juveniles between the ages of 7 through 15 who have been accused of criminal type behavior (i.e. Assault, Criminal Mischief, Petit Larceny, etc.). PINS matters involve juveniles under the age of 18 accused of non-criminal status offenses (i.e. school truancy, incorrigibility, etc.).
JD/PINS adjustment/diversion for juveniles provides assessment and referral to appropriate community service providers thereby diverting those youth and families from the court process. In Columbia County there exists a PINS Diversion Program, with the Probation Department as Lead Agency, governed by Article 735 of the Family Court Act. Service referrals can be made to numerous county and community agencies such as preventive services provided through the County Department of Social Services. In December 2001, this department signed on with the Division of Probation and Correctional Alternatives to be one of the pilot counties utilizing the Youth Assessment Screening Instrument (YASI). This project supplied training and software, which provides this department with a validated, recognized risk assessment and screening tool for juveniles.
The Family Court Unit supervises juvenile offenders by monitoring the offender’s compliance with court orders. This is done through collateral contacts with service providers, home visits, school visits, interdisciplinary team meetings and regular contact with the offender and his/her family. The YASI is useful in assessing risk levels for these offenders, determining supervision levels and in developing case plans. |
