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1. What is probation?

Probation means that you have either "admitted responsibility" or been "found guilty" of committing a crime or a status offense. As a result, you have been placed on probation. Probation allows you to remain at home with your parents and/or guardian under the supervision of the Court and a probation officer.

2. What does it mean to be on probation?

To be on probation means the following:
- Your probation officer, after discussing everything with you and your parents, will make recommendations to the Judge or Referee regarding the terms of your probation.
- Your probation officer will formally go over the terms during your dispositional hearing.
- If you disagree with the probation officer's recommendations, you must speak up during the dispositional hearing.
- If you disagree with the Referee's recommendations, you must request a review with the Judge.
- You will receive a complete list of rules that your probation officer will thoroughly explain to you.
- The Court expects you to obey the law and to abide by the rules of your parents and probation officer.
- You must follow the rules of probation and all reasonable rules set by your parent and/or guardian. Your probation officer is not going to set rules for you that you cannot follow.
- Being on probation is serious.

3. How long does probation last?

Probation periods may be as short as 90 days or as long as a year or more. The Court and your progress will determine the exact duration of your probation term.

4. What if I violate probation?

If you violate probation, your Probation officer may warn you that you are not following the rules. If you fail to follow the rules, your probation officer will file a probation violation, and you will have to appear in Court.

Violating the law is another form of probation violation. If you violate the law and are formally charged, you may be placed in the Jackson County Youth Center pending further Court proceedings.

5. Will I have a juvenile record as a result of being on probation?

Yes, the law requires your file to remain open in the Jackson County Family Court until you have reached the age of 30. At that time, the record can be expunged. However, certain life or criminal traffic offenses can never be set aside.

If your file was suppressed the information will not be made public.

6. What is Intensive Supervised Probation (ISP)?

Juvenile Intensive Supervised Probation (ISP) is directed at male juveniles that are at a high risk for re-offending, are struggling on regular probation, and have had multiple petitions or probation violations.

The goals of ISP is to prevent a youth from advancing in the Court system, to help youth become productive and responsible, and to get the family to work better as a unit.

ISP is able to accomplish this by referring families to agencies for counseling, and supervising the youth at home and in school. ISP works closely with the youth to assure they are completing everything required by the Court. The ISP caseworker has the ability to make immediate consequences, set up and supervise community service projects for youth, take the youth on field trips, help youth to apply for employment, and be a mentor.