The following position was adopted after a study in 1974:
The League supports measures which will enable Probation Systems of Monterey County to protect society by means of adequate assistance to both the courts and probationers.
Objectives:
- Probation Department: The Department should define for itself written goals and objectives that are reasonable and measurable. Pertinent records should be kept current so that the effectiveness of probation can be measured and evaluated on a regular basis.
- Courts: Courts should explore a broad scope of sentencing options appropriate to offender needs, other than probation and fines, to assure that those placed on probation receive assistance to develop a more normal life in the community.
- Community Resources: Adequate community resources should be made available to meet the individual needs of both juvenile and adult probationers.
- Client Involvement: The probationer should be involved in determining needs in planning his or her own probation program.
- Juvenile Justice Commission: As a citizens' group, the Juvenile Justice Commission should take more initiative in fulfilling its functions.
- Personnel: Personnel should reflect the client population and culture and include non-professionals as aids, paraprofessionals, and volunteers. Hiring policies should be sufficiently flexible to include a balance of education, experience, and personal attitudes and qualities which are sympathetic to human needs. Staff orientation, in-service training, and on-going evaluations should be developed and periodically updated.
- Funding: Consideration should be given to any and all sources of funding available to provide adequate supportive services within the community.
