Family Division
Hall of Justice280 Washington St
Suite 202
Traverse City, MI 49684
Phone: 231/ 922-4640
PrintJuvenile Probation
Located in the basement
of the Robert P Griffin Hall of Justice
(231) 922-4650
Under the leadership of JUDGE DAVID STOWE, the team of Probation Officers for the 13th Circuit Family Court, JUVENILE DIVISION, strive to develop healthy youth and families, while aiming to ensure a safe community.
Emphasized is the PROMOTION OF CHANGE through three main pillars of probation.
ACCOUNTABILITY
CONSEQUENCE
TREATMENT
When placed on probation at the dispositional hearing, youth are assigned to a probation officer and given a probation order. They are mandated to comply with the probation order for the duration of their probationary period. Typically, the probationary period ranges from six to twelve months. If probation violations occur, probation can be extended indefinitely until compliance is met.
Probation orders are designed to address the nature of the offense, the background history of youth and family, mental health issues, behavioral concerns, academic status and individual needs which are presented at the intake process with a designated probation officer. The intake process follows the preliminary hearing within a two week period. The Dispositional Hearing (sentencing), is scheduled also within a two week period.
There is a wide array of dispositional options available for implementation in the probation order. Different options are recommended to become the terms of probation.
The Juvenile Division embraces the practice of blending punitive and therapeutic measures to fully answer and manage unlawful behaviors. Results generated from psychiatric, psychological, substance abuse assessments and other clinical testing tools, provide direction in determining the therapeutic planning best suited for the rehabilitation of the youth being served. Therapeutic measures consist of a menu of programs and interventions.
Commonly Used Terms in Juvenile Cases
JUVENILE PROBATION IS DESIGNED TO PROMOTE PERSONAL GROWTH, PRINCIPLE DRIVEN LIFE STYLES AND LAW ABIDING CONDUCT. The Juvenile Division believes that our goal to improve the lives of youth and Families is enhanced by:
Building and maintaining community based partnerships
Implementing results based on outcome driven services and practices
Advocating for and addressing the needs of victims, offenders, families and communities.
Obtaining and sustaining sufficient resources.
Promoting growth and development of juvenile probation professionals.
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