The Intensive Supervision Probation (ISP) Unit's main function is to improve probation outcomes by placing high risk juvenile offenders on smaller, more intensive caseloads. Typically, juvenile offenders are placed on ISP due to the seriousness of their offense(s) (i.e. felony probation) or due to their unsuccessful attempt(s) on earlier probation.
The Department currently employs seven (7) Juvenile Probation Officers (JPO) who supervise juveniles under the Intensive Supervision Program. There are three (3) JPOs assigned to visit juveniles who remain in public school after being probated. Each officer is assigned to a different geographical location, or “zone,” of the county. One (1) JPO offices at each of Fort Bend County’s Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Program (JJAEP) / Juvenile Leadership Academy Program (JLA) sites located in Rosenberg, TX and Arcola, TX. These JPOs are able to assist with the daily supervision of the juveniles at each location and act as an advocate for the juveniles assigned to the site. Finally, one (1) JPO is assigned to the Sexual Offenders program and one (1) to the TCOOMMI (MHMR) program.
ISP JPOs have the same duties and responsibilities as regular Field JPOs, with the added responsibility of an increased amount of contact with the juveniles on their caseload. ISP JPOs conduct (at a minimum) one (1) school visit and one (1) office visit per week, as well as one (1) home visit per month. Additionally, ISP JPOs make telephone contact with the child/ family and the juvenile’s counselor at least once per week.
An office visit takes place in the JPO’s office with a juvenile and their parent or guardian. The office visit is a face-to-face opportunity for the juvenile and parent to ask questions and report weekly activities. This is an opportunity for the JPO to observe the parent-child relationship and to ensure compliance with the terms of probation. Weekly office visits cultivate a more accountable relationship between the JPO, juvenile, and parent.
School visits take place at each juvenile’s assigned school. During each weekly school visit, the JPO request current attendance, disciplinary, and academic records from school personnel. School visits offer an opportunity for the Juvenile Probation Department to show support to the local school districts by having JPOs visible in different schools several times a week.
Home visits are usually conducted in the evenings, on weekends, and as a substitute for school visits during school holidays. Home visits give the JPO the opportunity to observe the living conditions and family dynamics of each juvenile. Additionally, home visits are an opportunity for the JPO to provide support and guidance to the family.
With the increased supervision provided by the ISP unit to the juveniles and their families it is the hope that we decrease the likelihood of the juvenile re-offending or suffering further consequences from the Department.