Alameda County Probation Department FAQs
Alameda County Probation Department - Building a Great Tomorrow Today
General
I was sentenced to Probation - Now What?
Leaving jail, prison, or other legal troubles behind is something that you have been looking forward to or may be anxious about. If you were sentenced to Probation, it was to ensure you are not alone in your journey and we are here to assist in your success as you reenter the community.
What is Community Supervision?
There are several types of community supervision, including:
Formal Probation: A court decision that allows a person convicted of a crime to remain in the community, instead of serving a sentence in custody. While on probation, the individual is under supervision of a probation officer.
Post Release Community Supervision (PRCS): Under PRCS, individuals have served a term in state prison. After release from prison, individuals on PRCS are supervised by the Probation Department.
Mandatory Supervision (MS): Under Mandatory Supervision, a judge may order a “split sentence”, where a prison sentence is split between the local county jail, and the remaining portion is spent in the community under supervision of the Probation Department.
While on supervision, the Court will require you to follow a set of terms and conditions that describe your responsibilities and expectations. This could also include participation in treatment and counseling, drug testing, and no-contact orders. The deputy probation officer will monitor compliance of those terms and conditions. Supervision grants may also include financial responsibilities, including court fines and victim restitution.
What to Expect on Community Supervision
You will need to contact the Probation Department as soon as you are released from custody. Our offices are open 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday – Friday and are located at the following locations:
Oakland Probation Center - 1401 Lakeside Dr., Oakland, CA 94612 (510) 268-7245
Hayward Office - 24085 Amador Street Hayward, CA 94544 (3rd and 4th floor) (510) 670-5354
Dublin- East County Hall of Justice - 5149 Gleason Drive, Dublin, CA 94568 (925) 551-6878
Contact with your Probation Officer
Your probation officer will work with you to create personal goals as well as a case plan to help you meet those goals, develop new skills, and be successful. They will also ensure you are complying with the terms and conditions granted by the judge. Your case plan may include items such as housing, employment, life skills and treatment.
Office visits
You will have regular meetings with your probation officer at the Probation Department. The frequency will be determined by your probation officer. During these visits, you can expect to review your goals and discuss your progress, as well as any challenges or barriers that you are experiencing. These visits may also be focused on learning and developing new skills to avoid risky situations and be a positive member of the community.
For security purposes, it is important to bring as little as possible to your office visits. Please do not bring non-service animals or children to your office appointments.
If you can not make your appointment, please contact your Deputy Probation Officer right away.
Home visits
Your probation officer will visit your home. During the visit, your probation officer may conduct a search of your residence. They will be checking for compliance with your terms and conditions while in the home. Their search will focus on areas under your control and common areas of the home; however, the entire residence may be checked to ensure officer safety. If property is found that should not be in your home, it may be taken as evidence. It may be necessary for a probation officer to detain you and others, in order to conduct the search safely.
Referrals to Treatment and Other Programs
As part of the terms of supervision, your probation officer may require that you attend treatment or other programs. This could include, for example, substance abuse treatment or participation in the Center of Reentry Excellence (CORE). The CORE provides a variety of programs and services to help people learn new skills, change their ways of thinking, connect to resources, and succeed in the community.
Drug Testing
If you are required to do drug testing, you should come prepared to submit a urine sample at every visit. Drug tests will be observed, and any attempts to fake tests could result in a violation. Please bring some form of identification and be prepared to provide proof of any prescription medications to your probation officer
How To Be Successful On Supervision
- Be honest with your probation officer. We want you to succeed. Being open and honest with your probation officer will allow them to help you meet your goals and overcome any setbacks that may
- Review all of your conditions of supervision. Take time to make sure you understand these conditions, and if you have any questions, ask your probation
- Spend time with people who support you and your goals. Look closely at your relationships and spend time with friends and family who can help you achieve your
- Life can be complicated and you may face challenges during your time on community supervision. In tough situations, we encourage you to think before you act, take a deep breath, slow yourself down, and consider the consequences of your actions.
- It is up to you to make the positive changes you want in your life. We are here to help connect you with resources to help you make those positive
Community Resources
Talk to your Probation Officer for more information about different programs and services in the community that are available. They can refer you to places that can help you with temporary and long-term housing, employment, drug and alcohol treatment, mental health services, education, transportation, food assistance, rental subsidy, utility payment assistance, home repair or transportation resources, assistance with union dues and more.
Resource Links you may find helpful:
Alameda County 211 Information on Health, Housing & Human Services, Transportation Services and Reentry Services CLICK HERE or text 898211
Voter Registration: For information about people with criminal convictions who can vote, CLICK HERE
Social Security Disability Benefits CLICK HERE
Replacement Social Security Card CLICK HERE
California Driver's License CLICK HERE
Veterans Benefits CLICK HERE
Alameda County Superior Court CLICK HERE
Alameda County Behavioral Health CLICK HERE
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I be assigned a Probation Officer?
If you are on Formal Probation, you will be given the name of your probation officer in court. Supervision starts the day you are sentenced in court, at which point all terms and conditions go into effect. If you are on Mandatory Supervision, you will likely be assigned to a probation officer prior to release from custody. If you are on PRCS, you will likely participate in a prerelease video conference interview with a probation officer. You will be assigned a probation officer before you are released from custody.
Will my P.O. share information about my case with others? Adult probation cases are confidential unless permission is given by you to speak with specific persons or entities, or if such permission is a requirement of your terms and conditions.
Victims, however, have the right to be notified of a defendant’s case status, location, and supervision requirements. They will also be notified about their right to seek financial compensation for any loss suffered as a result of the crime. Under Marsy’s Law, victims have the right to be notified regarding changes in a defendant’s case and may be present at relevant hearings. In domestic violence-related cases, the victim may contact the probation officer to discuss concerns regarding violations of a criminal protective order or no contact order. Finally, law enforcement and criminal justice agencies may also access case information.
Can I travel out of state while on Supervision?
Travel restrictions vary based on specific circumstances and the type of supervision. Contact your probation officer with questions about out of county travel. Out of state travel will require a travel permit, submitted at least 2 weeks before your date of travel. Out of country travel will require a court appearance and should be requested at least a month before your date of travel.
What if I have a “No Contact” order?
You must not have or attempt to have contact with the person or place. Any contact is not only a potential violation of probation; it is a potential violation of the law for which the person could receive additional prosecution. If that person tries to contact you, do not agree to make contact, tell your Probation Officer immediately.
What happens if I violate my terms and conditions?
If you violate the terms and conditions of supervision, it could be handled in numerous ways, determined by your probation officer and the judge. Violations may result in your return to custody and/or court. You may also be directed to participate in treatment, programming or other activities as directed by your probation officer.
Individuals on PRCS who violate terms may be detained in the county jail for up to 10 days (referred to as “flash incarceration”) in response to a violation. Violations on PRCS could also lead to a revocation (removal) of PRCS and a jail term for up to 180 days.
A warrant has been issued for me, is there anyway I can clear it?
If you are under regular supervision, contact your attorney, contact the court that issued the warrant, or turn yourself into a local law enforcement agency. It is important to resolve the outstanding issue as soon as possible. If you have any questions, contact your Probation Officer.
Can I get off probation early?
Early termination depends on your eligibility. You must have complied with all terms and conditions of probation, completed at least half of your probation term. You can request an early termination through your assigned Probation Officer.
After I finish Supervision, can I get my record expunged?
Many criminal and infraction convictions can be expunged after completing supervision. This means you can sometimes petition the court to make an entry in the court record showing the dismissal of your conviction. In order to have your record expunged, you must meet certain criteria. Please consult with your attorney or contact the Alameda County Public Defender’s Office for more specific and detailed information regarding eligibility or the process.
My probation expired, now what?
Your probation case will be closed and you no longer need to check in. You may not receive notification from the probation department regarding your case being expired and closed. If you are unsure if your probation is expired you may contact the Probation Officer, or the court.
If I have a felony conviction on my record, can I still vote?
Yes, you are eligible to register to vote even if you have a felony conviction. Additionally, you are eligible to register to vote if you are incarcerated in county jail, on parole, probation, mandatory supervision, Post Release Community Supervision, federal supervised release, pretrial release, or have a juvenile wardship adjudication. The only persons not eligible to register to vote are persons convicted of a felony and currently serving a term of incarceration inside a state or federal prison, or serving a state or federal prison sentence inside a county jail or other correctional facility.
Proposition 63
Proposition 63 enacted a court process that attempts to ensure prohibited individuals do not continue to have firearms. The measure required courts to inform individuals prohibited from owning a firearm that they must turn their firearms over to local law enforcement, sell their firearms to a licensed dealer, or give their firearms to a dealer for storage. Proposition 63 also required probation officers to check and report on what prohibited individuals did with their firearms.
What types of reports are completed under Prop 63?
An initial Investigative Report to determine whether the defendant has registered firearms; Ammunition, Magazines and Feeding Devices.
Can I transfer my case to another county?
You must complete all custody time before having your case transferred to another county. Before the transfer-out process can begin, your probation officer will request the following items from you:
- Proof of residence (utility bill or rental agreement).
- California ID or Driver’s License with current address
Once these items are received, you will be notified by a probation officer that your case is in the process of being transferred to another county. You may be required to appear in court for a 1203.9 transfer hearing; however, you will be notified prior to the court date. You must continue to follow your terms and conditions of probation and check in with your probation officer in Alameda County as directed until you are notified that your case has been successfully transferred.
Can I Transfer my supervision to another state?
All custody time must be fulfilled, and specific documents must be provided to the Alameda County Probation Department to begin the transfer process. A probationer must remain in California until a travel permit is approved through Interstate Compact. Upon receiving a travel permit and moving out of state, the probationer may not leave their new state of residence, unless they receive permission from Interstate Compact.
Can I get my case dismissed once I am off probation?
A person who has successfully completed probation supervision may request a reduction of a felony to a misdemeanor, pursuant to Penal Code Section 17(b) and dismissal of the charge, pursuant to Penal Code Section 1203.4. To receive a reduction and/or dismissal, you must request to appear before the court, in person or through your attorney.
I want to report someone on probation, what can I do?
If this is a life-threatening emergency, call 9-1-1 immediately. Otherwise, contact local law enforcement. Probation cannot confirm or deny if somebody is on probation but can take possible relevant information.
For more information about Adult Field Services CLICK HERE
General
Know Your Rights!
- You are presumed innocent. You have a right to have a trial when the Judge decides there is enough evidence that you did what you are accused of doing. The District Attorney must prove that you are guilty "beyond a reasonable doubt" to the Judge.
- You have the right to have an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you.
- You have the right to see and hear any witnesses that are called to testify against you. Your lawyer will "cross-examine" them, meaning that he or she will ask questions to make sure they are telling the whole truth.
- You have a right to have your own witnesses come to court and tell your side of the story. Even if they do not want to come to court, the Judge will order them, or "subpoena" (pronounced: sub-pee-na) them, by sending a paper to the witnesses telling them when and where to come to court and testify.
- You have the right to remain silent. You don't have to say or do anything to admit that you broke the law.
Your Rights While in Detention
- You have a right to call your parent or guardian, a responsible relative, or your employer.
- You have a right to make a second call to your attorney. You may also call your Child Welfare Worker.
- You have a right to remain silent. Anything you say to a police officer or probation officer can and will be used against you.
- You have a right to have your lawyer present with you during any questioning by the police or probation officer. If you do not have a lawyer or are unable to afford a lawyer, one will be appointed for you. If you are 15 years of age or younger, it is required that an attorney be contacted before you are questioned.
Juvenile Probation - Frequently Asked Questions
Introduction
Even though you are in trouble right now, the juvenile court system is here to help you and guide you on the right path. Juvenile Hall is a temporary detention center to help you better yourself, look at what you've done, and help you grow and learn from your mistakes.
While at Juvenile Hall, here are some of your rights. You should always feel free to ask questions about your situation.
This guide is to prepare and inform you about the process while you're in juvenile hall and after you get out. It's meant to ease some of your anxiety and provide knowledge to help you make better decisions. It's also meant to clarify how juvenile court works.
It is important to understand the process to make your transition go smoothly, so that you are able to reflect and move forward.
Release:
The probation officer can decide to release you without asking the District Attorney to file charges.
Delinquency Petition:
The Probation Officer refers your case to the District Attorney who may file formal charges and proceed to prosecution of the case.
Diversion:
The probation officer can choose to place you on informal probation for a term of up to 6 months instead of having the case prosecuted in court.
Detention Hearing:
If the case moves forward to prosecution, a detention hearing will be held to determine whether you will be held in juvenile hall while the case proceeds or if you can be released to a caregiver. Sometimes, you may be monitored by a probation officer during the time that you are out of custody while your case is pending. You are more likely to be kept in juvenile hall if you have previously violated a court order, if the court is concerned you might run away if released, or if your release would put you or others in danger.
Jurisdictional Hearing:
The jurisdictional hearing is where the Judge decides whether the charges filed against you in the delinquency petition are true. You have the right to have a trial in front of a judge, or you can formally admit to the charges instead of going to trial. Your defense attorney will help you decide whether to go to trial or to admit the charges. If you do choose to go to trial, both the prosecutor and your defense attorney will have the opportunity to present evidence and witnesses, and a judge will decide whether the charges are true.
Disposition Hearing:
If the Judge decides the allegations are true or if you decide to admit, then a disposition hearing will be held to determine what the consequences of your actions should be. The Judge can decide to place you on informal probation for a term of 6 months, or can make you a WARD of the court. If the Judge puts you on informal probation, (s)he will also require that you complete certain tasks before your case can be dismissed. These tasks are called TERMS OF PROBATION and can include tasks such as completing community service hours, or participate in counseling. If the Judge makes you a ward of the court, the court and probation will have control over where you live and you could be placed at home or somewhere more restrictive, like a Short Term Residential Therapeutic Program or a detention facility.
Post Disposition:
This is the time when you work on completing your conditions of probation, including any counseling community service and paying restitution. The Judge will receive progress reports from the probation officer to provide the court insight on how you are doing at home, in school, and in the community. When you complete your probation conditions, your wardship will be terminated.
Will I have to spend the night in juvenile hall?
Your probation officer will use a Risk Assessment Instrument (RAI) to decide whether you will be detained in juvenile hall. Your probation officer will look at why you were arrested, if you been arrested before, where you live, whether you go to school regularly, whether you use any drugs, and other questions about your safety and the safety of the community.
If detained, how long will I be in juvenile hall?
Being in juvenile hall is temporary until the probation officer, District Attorney, or Judge decides to release you.
The District Attorney has two business days, not including weekends and holidays, to decide whether to file charges ("petition").
If you were arrested for a misdemeanor, you have a right to see the Judge within two business days, not including weekends and holidays, after you were arrested.
If you were arrested for a felony, you have a right to see the Judge within 72 hours after you were arrested, not including weekends and holidays.
At your first court hearing, called a Detention Hearing, the Judge will decide if they will keep or release you.
Where will I be released to?
You can be released to your parent or guardian, a resource family, a Short Term Residential Treatment Program, or if you do not have a place to live, you can be released to the Assessment Center until your social worker finds a placement. Your probation officer will contact either your social worker or your resource family.
What is it like to be in juvenile hall?
You are in a detention center, meaning that there are rules that you must follow. Juvenile Institutional Officers will supervise you, help you, and keep you safe. Girls live separately from boys. You will be housed with other youth around the same age as you. You will also attend school. If you have any health needs, you can request to see the nurse. Please review your Alameda County Juvenile Justice Center Detainee Orientation Packet for more information. It is very important to follow the rules.
The other young people in juvenile hall are similar to you and probably worried about the same things. Remember that the reason why you were arrested is private, so do not talk about your case with anyone else.
If charges are not filed, will I have a record because I was booked into juvenile hall?
The probation department will keep a record that you were arrested and booked into juvenile hall, and the police will have the report about your arrest. But, if you were not charged, you do not need to report your arrest on job applications or college applications.
If you were arrested and charges were not filed, you can apply to have your records sealed after five years or after you turn 18, which ever happens first.
People that you will meet at the Juvenile Justice Center (JJC):
Attorney/Public Defender (PD)
Your attorney's job is to speak for you in court and to give you advice about your case. Your lawyer only represents you in the case — not your parents, the probation officer, the Judge or anyone else. Your attorney is usually the Public Defender. If the public defender cannot represent you, the Judge will give you another court-appointed attorney to help you. He or she will defend you and tell your side of the story. Everything you tell your attorney is confidential. If charges are filed, an attorney will be assigned to represent you and will come talk to you about your case and explain your rights to you.
Deputy Probation Officer (DPO)
Your probation officer is responsible for telling the Judge about your background and making recommendations about whether you should remain in custody, where you should live, and what kind of services you need. Your DPO is also responsible for checking in with you and connecting you to programs. Anything that you tell the DPO can be reported to the Judge.
Juvenile Institution Officer (JIO)
The Juvenile Institution Officer, called a JIO, organizes the rules of the unit to keep everyone safe. The JIO makes sure that everyone in the unit knows what to do. You can ask the JIO any questions or concerns about what is happening in the unit. You have a right to not talk to the JIO about why you were arrested because anything that you tell him or her can be reported to the court.
Guidance Clinic
The Guidance Clinic provides counselors who can support you and check in with you. If the Judge requests an "Evaluation," the Guidance Clinic will gather information about you and make recommendations about what services they think you need.
District Attorney (DA)
The District Attorney's job is to represent the people of California. The DA works with the probation officer, the police, and the victim, but is not their lawyer. The DA decides whether there is enough evidence to file charges against you. The DA has the responsibility to prove the charges against you are true beyond a reasonable doubt in court. The DA's job is to protect the community.
Child Welfare Worker (CWW)
Your Child Welfare Worker (CWW) has your best interests at heart. The CWW knows your history, finds placement and housing for you, and other resources that will help you better your future.
Adolescent Medical Services
An adolescent and young adult clinic that offers comprehensive primary, preventive, and reproductive health services. Access to needed dental and subspecialty care is provided. Twenty-four hour nursing care ensures that trained, knowledgeable health professionals are available to care for any other health-related concerns that may arise during a young person's stay at the JJC. Staff also work with Alameda County Behavioral Health Care Services clinicians to ensure youth have all the mental or behavioral health supports they need as they navigate the juvenile justice system.
Judge
The Judge does many things. First, the Judge is like a referee at a ball game. The Judge makes sure that everyone plays by the rules. The Judge is also the person who decides any disagreements between the people who come to court. The Judge will decide whether you did what you were accused of. If the Judge finds the charges are true, then the Judge will also decide what consequences to give you.
Transition Center
The Transition Center is a one-stop resource center providing warm hand-offs to youth returning to the community. Our mission is to help youth successfully transition from detention to stable and supportive home and school communities. Our goal is to prevent future crimes from occurring by providing youth and their families with the necessary assistance and resources to encourage a smooth transition and success in life.
DETENTION AND JURISDICTION - 1st Court Hearing
Coming to Court
Rules for behaving in court:
- Be on time.
- Don't miss any court hearings.
- Dress neatly.
- Make sure you have an adult with you.
- Show respect to the people who are there.
- Don't eat or drink in court, and don't chew gum.
- Take off your hat and headphones
- Be patient. There may be other cases before yours. You can read a book or do homework while you wait.
- When your case starts, call the judge "Your Honor." This is what people call the Judge to show respect.
- Don't speak unless the Judge or your lawyer asks you to.
- If you don't understand something, say that you don't understand. Someone will explain it again for you.
Here is what happens when a youth is arrested:
Court Process – Chart not pictured
Detention Hearing:
If the District Attorney files charges against you, a detention hearing will be held to determine whether you will be held in juvenile hall while the case proceeds or if you can be released to a caregiver. You are more likely to be kept in juvenile hall if you have previously violated a court order, if the court is concerned you might run away if released, or if your release would put you or others in danger.
Jurisdictional Hearing:
The jurisdictional hearing is where the Judge decides whether the charges filed against you in the delinquency petition are true. You have the right to have a trial in front of a Judge, or you can formally admit to the charges instead of going to trial. Your defense attorney will help you decide whether to go to trial or to admit the charges. If you do choose to go to trial, both the prosecutor and your defense attorney will have the opportunity to present evidence and witnesses, and a judge will decide whether the charges are true.
Plea Bargaining:
Sometimes, your lawyer will negotiate for a less serious charge in exchange for you giving up your right to have a trial. Talk to your lawyer more about whether this is good for you.
Courtroom Diagram - Courtroom Diagram Document
DISPOSITION AND 241.1 HEARING
Here is what happens when a youth is arrested:
For Foster Youth
What's the difference when a foster youth is arrested?
In Alameda County, a person cannot be BOTH a foster youth AND a probation ward at the same time. The Judge has to decide whether a county welfare worker or a probation officer will be in charge of your case and where you live. The Judge will order your probation officer and child welfare worker to do a 241.1 assessment.
What is a 241.1 assessment?
Your probation officer and child welfare worker get together and discuss your case, including your history, your age, your school, your family and your placement. They will recommend to the Judge whether you should be a foster youth or a probation ward.
What will happen at court?
Delinquency Attorney
Your delinquency attorney defends you in the prosecution of your Delinquency (602) case.
At the 241.1 hearing, your delinquency attorney will:
- Speak to you about what your probation officer expects you to do, and work with you to make a plan to get off probation.
- Speak to the Judge on your behalf about your plan and any concerns that you have about the probation plan, and make sure than any punishment is fair.
- Speak to the Judge on your behalf about any past trouble with the court and see if you should remain a foster youth or become a ward of the court.
Dependency Attorney
Your dependency attorney represents you in your foster care (300) case.
At the 241.1 hearing, your dependency attorney will:
- Give the Judge more information about who you are, including formation about your history in foster care, and any special needs you might have and what you think you need to be successful.
- Speak to the judge about what other people in your foster care case are doing to help you complete your goals, such as schooling, job training, and counseling.
- Speak to the judge about your future and goals and what you want to accomplish
You will have 2 attorneys to represent you:
The judge will also get a 241.1 REPORT with recommendations from your Child Welfare Worker and Probation Officer about whether they think you should remain a foster youth or become a ward of the court.
What are the Judge’s choices?
Choice A:
725A probation wardship and keeping you a foster youth.
725A probation without Wardship
This means:
- Your dependency case will remain open and you will keep your child welfare worker.
- The county social services agency will decide where you should live.
- You will be assigned a probation officer who will meet with you once a month and keep the court updated on your efforts to satisfy the requirements of your probation.
- If you do not complete all your terms of probation within 6 months, you will receive additional 6-month terms of informal probation until you satisfy those requirements. The court can keep you on juvenile probation until you turn 21.
- Normally, if a foster youth gets into trouble for things such as running away from placement, breaking curfew, or not going to school, the foster youth can be returned to the Assessment Center. While you are on 725A Probation, if you get into any more trouble – at home, at school, or out in public – you can be brought back into juvenile hall and the whole process starts over again. This means the Judge gets to decide all over again if you should stay in foster care of become a ward of the state.
Choice B:
654.2 W&I informal probation and keeping you a foster youth.
654.2 Informal Probation
This means:
- Your dependency case will remain open and you will keep your child welfare worker.
- The county social services agency will decide where you should live.
- You will be assigned a probation officer who will meet with you once a month and keep the court updated on your efforts to satisfy the requirements of your probation.
- If you do not complete all your terms of probation within 6 months, you may, at the court’s discretion, receive additional 6-month terms of informal probation until you satisfy those requirements.
- If a foster youth is not successful in completing his/her terms and conditions while on a 6-month grant, the Court may extend the informal probation grant an additional 6 months, not to exceed 12 months from the date the petition was filed.
- If the minor successfully competes the program of supervision, the court shall order the petition be dismissed.
Choice C:
The Judge can dismiss your foster care case and make you a 602 probation ward.
If the Judge decides to make you a ward of the court:
- Your foster care case will be dismissed and you will no longer have your child welfare worker.
- You will keep your delinquency attorney but will no longer have your dependency attorney.
- You will be placed on formal probation under the supervision of a probation officer and will have to follow all terms of probation that you are given.
- The judge and probation officer will get to decide where you live.
- If you violate probation, such as running away from your placement, not going to school, not coming home on time, you can be locked up at juvenile hall.
If you become a ward of the court, you can be placed at home with a parent or caregiver at a Short Term Residential Therapeutic Program, or at a more restrictive placement like a wilderness camp or a facility outside of California.
Dismissal and moving on for foster care youth
If you are made a ward, you may be eligible for AB12 Extended Foster Care Benefits
AB 12 is a law that allows foster youth to continue receiving foster care benefits after they turn 18. These benefits may include:
- Money to help pay rent
- Access to transitional housing
- CalFresh (Food Stamps)
- Assistance and support from a Child Welfare Worker
- Services and resources of the Social Services Agency
- Help with education and employment
If I want to participate in Extended Foster Care (AB12), what are the requirements?
You have to do at least one of the five requirements:
- Attend high school or GED program
- Attend college or a vocational school
- Work at least 80 hours per month
- Participate in a program that removes barriers to employment
- Have a doctor’s note that you have a medical condition that prevents you from doing one of the other four requirements
You also have to meet with your social worker or probation officer at least once a month, and every six months, go to court in person or by phone.
Want to know if you are eligible for Extended Foster Care?
Talk to your social worker, DPO, or attorney!
When your case is dismissed, you might be eligible to have you juvenile records sealed. Having your records sealed means that you can say that it never happened. Ask your lawyer or DPO if you are eligible.
Post-Disposition:
This is the time when you work on completing your conditions of probation, including any counseling and community service and paying restitution. The Judge will have progress reports where you and your probation officer can tell the Judge how you are doing at home, in school, and in the community. When you complete your probation conditions, your wardship will be terminated.
When your case is dismissed, you might be eligible to have your juvenile records sealed. Having your records sealed means that you can say that it never happened. Ask your lawyer or probation officer if you are eligible.
Probation Violations:
Take your conditions of probation seriously and try to finish your requirements, such as community service, as soon as possible. If you break any of your probation rules, the probation officer can arrest you and place you in juvenile hall.
What are the common terms of probation?
- Restitution: Pay the victim the amount for any loss or damage you may have caused.
- Obey rules at home – Don’t run away.
- Obey school rules
- Community Service: The Judge can assign a set number of volunteer hours for you to complete. You can do this at any church or nonprofit as long as you don’t get paid.
- Counseling, such as anger management or substance abuse.
- Court-ordered curfew (or earlier if your caregiver says so) this is the time that you need to be home and stay home.
- Random drug testing as directed by your DPO.
- GPS or Home Supervision: The Judge may require you to wear an ankle bracelet to monitor your movement or check in and get permission from your probation officer to leave home or school. Make sure you charge your bracelet every day.
- 4 Way Search (Person, Property, Vehicle, Immediate Living Area). The police, DPO or any law enforcement may search you at any time without a warrant (You can watch if they search).
Juvenile Lingo
(Definitions to common terms in this guide or that may be heard during your contact with the social service or justice system)
| Numbers | |
|---|---|
|
300 |
Juvenile Dependency Petition (child welfare) A – physical neglect B – neglect C – emotional abuse D – sexual abuse E – severe physical abuse of child under age 5 F – parent caused death of another child G – no parent or guardian H – failed adoption I – acts of cruelty J – parent abused or neglected sibling |
|
601 |
Status offender (no crime: e.g. truancy, chronic runaway, beyond parental control) |
|
602 |
Delinquency (minor accused of committing crime) |
|
241.1 |
Joint assessment hearing for court to determine if crossover youth should be supervised by probation or child welfare |
|
654 |
Informal supervision (pre-filing of petition; determined by PO; pre-adjudication diversion) |
|
654.2 |
Informal supervision (post-filing of petition; ordered by court; pre-adjudication diversion) |
|
725(a) |
Probation without wardship (allows 300 to be on six months of probation) |
|
781 |
Petition to Seal Records (records not automatically sealed, excluded 707(b) offences and 290 sex offender registrants). |
|
786 |
Automatic record sealing (all offenses except 707(b) when minor was 14 or older, upon satisfactory completion of probation) |
| Crossover Youth Terms | |
|---|---|
|
Crossover Youth |
A youth with an active child welfare and active probation case |
| Child Welfare & Probation Terms | |
|---|---|
|
"In Custody" |
For probation – the youth is detained (locked up) at juvenile hall. For Child Welfare – the youth was removed from the care of the parents/guardians and is placed by the child welfare agency. |
|
Resource Family |
Resource Families are caregivers who provide out-of-home care for youth in foster care. They may be related to the youth, have a familiar or mentoring relationship with the youth, or no previous relationship with the youth. |
|
KinGap |
Kinship Guardianship Assistance Program: A program that provides financial support to relative legal guardians and non-related extended family members who are legal guardians. Dependency must be dismissed (among other requirements) to receive these monies. |
| Extended Foster Care | |
|---|---|
|
AB12 |
Extended foster care benefits to age 21 |
|
NMD |
Non-Minor Dependent (18 year and older dependent under AB12) |
|
SILP |
Supervised Independent Living Plan (type of placement) |
|
TAY |
Transition Age Youth |
|
THPP |
Transitional Housing Placement Program (type of placement) |
|
THP+FC or THP-Plus |
Transitional Housing Placement (type of placement) |
|
TILP |
Transitional Independent Living Plan |
|
TLC |
Transitional Living Conference |
|
450 |
Transition Jurisdiction – for 602 wards in placement who complete probation but want to voluntarily stay in placement (extended foster care) under AB12. Supervised by probation but no probation conditions. |
| People and Agencies | |
|---|---|
|
CAAP |
Court Appointed Attorney Program (attorneys appointed when the public defender has a conflict of interest) |
|
CASA |
Court Appointed Special Advocate |
|
CPS |
Child Protective Services |
|
CWW |
Child Welfare Worker |
|
CSEC |
Commercially Sexually Exploited Children |
|
DA |
District Attorney |
|
DCFS |
Department of Children & Family Services |
|
DPO |
Deputy Probation Officer |
|
EBCLO |
East Bay Children’s Law Offices |
|
ISI, ISII |
Juvenile Institutional Supervisor I, II |
|
JIO |
Juvenile Institutions Officer (Juvenile Hall) |
|
JJC |
Juvenile Justice Center – Juvenile Court and Juvenile Hall |
|
PD |
Public Defender |
|
PJJ |
Presiding Judge Juvenile |
|
SSA |
Social Services Agency |
|
YAP |
Youth Advocate Program |
|
401 |
Department 401 Courtroom (Presiding Judge – Juvenile) |
|
402, 405 |
Delinquency Courtrooms |
|
403, 404, 1B |
Dependency Courtrooms |
| School Terms | |
|---|---|
|
DHP |
Disciplinary Hearing Panel |
|
IEP |
Individualized Education Plan |
|
SST |
Student Success Team Meeting |
|
SRO |
School Resource Officer |
PREA = PRISON RAPE ELIMINATION ACT
Alameda County Probation has a zero tolerance policy towards sexual misconduct. The Department prohibits any sexual misconduct between staff and youth and between youth and youth. Any incidents of sexual misconduct or suspected sexual misconduct in the facility will be addressed and investigated promptly. It is our department's responsibility to keep every youth, in our care safe from sexual abuse or sexual harassment.
RIGHT TO REPORT
If you are experiencing sexual abuse or sexual harassment, Alameda County Probation wants you to know:
- We want to keep YOU safe; it is our job! It is your right to be safe from sexual abuse and sexual harassment.
- We will conduct an investigation of all reported incidents.
- All allegations will be taken serious and perpetrators will be held accountable.
- We will provide YOU with information and support services.
Remember we have limits of confidentiality and a duty to report under the California Mandatory Reporting Law.
HOW TO REPORT
Alameda County Probation offers multiple ways to report sexual abuse and sexual harassment.
Call Bay Area Women Against Rape (BAWAR) at (510) 845-7273 or *2 on the payphones. (These calls are not monitored by the agency)
- Report to any staff, volunteer, contractor or medical/mental health.
- Submit a grievance or a sick call slip at any time.
- Report to the PREA Compliance Manager Office at (510) 618-3459 or *3
- Tell a family member, friend, legal counsel, or anyone else outside the facility. They can report on your behalf by calling Alameda County Probation Juvenile Facilities Administration at (510) 667-4999.
- You can also have someone report on your behalf by using the ways listed above.
VICTIM SUPPORT SERVICES
Alameda County Probation has partnered with Behavioral Health Care Services (BHCS) and Bay Area Women Against Rape (BAWAR) to provide support services to survivors of sexual abuse. To access these services please contact BHCS at (510) 667-3000 or (510) 667-3017 or BAWAR at (510) 845-7273 or send a letter to BAWAR at 470 27th Street Oakland, CA 94612.
For more information about Juvenile Field Services CLICK HERE
To find your assigned Probation Officers, please refer to the contact information below
Adult Field Services Information Services Line: (510) 268-7050
Juvenile Justice Center Information Services Public Line: (510) 667-4488
Locate Specific Department Contacts
How do I apply for a job with your Organization?
Applying for a job at Alameda County Probation ACPD is easy as 1 -2-3!
- You’ll need to click on the job you want to apply to,
- Click the Apply button and
- It will move you to prompts that will ask you to create a new account or login to your existing one.
I already applied for the same position before, do I have to apply again?
To be considered for other positions, you must submit an application for those additional positions.
How do I know if the Probation Department is right for me?
ACPD is committed to being an organization that:
- Empowers staff and promotes respectful, forthright communication;
- Engages collaboratively with our stakeholders and the community;
- Promotes diversity and cultural awareness;
- Embodies integrity and ethical conduct;
- Uses research and data to inform practice;
- Provides gender-responsive and trauma-informed care;
- Strives for continuous process improvements through innovation driven by performance-based operations; and
- Honors the belief that people can change.
You may also want to review our 2023 Strategic Plan, so you can have a better idea of what our organization is striving for.
I’m interested in the job opening with your Department. How do I get in contact with someone?
You can call our Human Resources Services unit at (510) 272-6741.
How do I find out about benefits?
The County’s Employee Benefits are dependent on the position that you are applying for. Please see the Benefits section in the job description of the position.
How long does the hiring process take?
It depends on the position you are applying to. For non-sworn positions, it takes an average of 3-6 weeks from the date of your interview. For sworn positions, it takes an average of 3-6 months from the date of your interview.
I’m interested in volunteering and internship opportunities.
That’s great! We are always looking for opportunities to help emerging leaders, community members gain work experience in public safety. You can learn more about our internship opportunities by referring to your college's internship opportunity site.
What’s the hiring process like?
Generally, once you submit your application and the recruitment is closed, a five-step process occurs:
- Initial Screening of Applicants by Human Resources Services Analyst
- Screening of Applicants by the Probation Department. Sometimes, this also happens at Step 1 to cut down time. It depends on the position.
- Interviewing of Candidate
- Selecting Candidates for Hire. This would include successfully completing a background, if the position requires it.
- Onboarding of Candidates.
Note: You can also contact the ACPD Office of Human Resources at: 510-268-7254.
I’m a current employee and I am interested in any promotional or transfer opportunities. Where can I find out about that?
Promotional and Transfer opportunities are listed on our department website at the Careers and Recruitment page
I want to know about salary information.
Salary reports can be found at the Human Resources Services website. The reports are either sorted by job code number or in alphabetical order of the job title.
Do you have a Veteran’s Preference policy?
Each applicant entitled to veterans’ preference as provided in the Alameda County Civil Service Rules who has served in the armed forces of the United States during a war or campaign as defined by Section 1897 of the Government Code of the State of California and who has been discharged or released under honorable conditions and wishes to claim such preference shall do so by presenting proof of his/her honorable discharge (DD214) from the armed forces of the United States, showing the dates of his/her military service. Each applicant entitled to Disabled Veterans’ points as provided in the Alameda County Civil Service Rules, who wishes to claim such preference shall additionally present proof of military-connected disability from the United States Veterans Administration.
U.S. military veterans (including applicants already employed by the County of Alameda) intending to claim preferential consideration pursuant to Alameda County Civil Service Rules must present proof of honorable discharge or release (DD Form 214) concurrent with this application but in no event later than the final step in the recruitment process (usually the oral interview.)
To claim veteran’s preference, proof must be presented during check in on the date of the applicant’s scheduled oral interview. Failure to submit proof by this date will forfeit the applicant's claim to veterans' preference in such examination.
I’m interested in attending a career fair to talk to a Probation representative. When is your next career fair event?
The Office of Human Resources has partnered with various universities and colleges in the bay area to promote the good work the Alameda County Probation Department is doing. A list of the upcoming career fairs can be found at: Career Fair Calendar
What is the status of my application for the (position)?
That is a great question! If you need further assistance, you can call Human Resources Services at (510) 272-6741 and ask for the Analyst who is handling the recruitment you are applying for.
For a list of current job openings for the Probation Department CLICK HERE
