In Concord, New Hampshire Juvenile Probation and Parole Officers in the Division of Juvenile Justice Services of the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services conduct juvenile community supervision. The district office in Concord provides a variety of services for young people sentenced to probation or community supervision following detention. JPPOs work with young offenders, their families, teachers and community organizations to provide a safe, supportive environment that will facilitate positive outcomes.
One of the most important programs for juveniles is the Adolescent Program, which nurtures young people by placing them in foster homes or residential facilities. In 2009, almost 249 youths aged 16 to 21 were placed in group or foster care. While in the Adolescent Program, juveniles receive aftercare services, and participation in programs like Adult Living Preparation Process, Youth Advisory Board or New Hampshire Trails. Only youths ages 14 to 20 who have not yet completed high school are eligible for this program.
Diversionary Programs in Concord, New Hampshire
Merrimack County has also implemented several juvenile diversionary programs, which allow first time juvenile offenders to avoid detention. There are several programs which must be completed including Anger Management, which is a ten-hour training, self-discipline and control program. Anger management explores issues like triggers, types of anger, control techniques and global labeling.
The Teen Court is another diversionary program that allows young people to adjudicate the offenses of other teens. The purpose of the Teen Court is to create an environment where youths can recognize the illegality and harm of their offenses while still elevating their self-esteem and positive attitude.
Training and Requirements for Juvenile Probation Officers in Concord,
New Hampshire
Juvenile probation officer jobs in Concord may be found through the Department of Human Resources at the State of New Hampshire website. The minimum requirements for a JPPO include
- Possession of a New Hampshire driver’s license
- Access to transportation capable of statewide travel
- Possession of a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 12 courses or 36 credit hours in
- Social work
- Sociology
- Substance abuse
- Human services
- Behavioral science
- Psychology
- Cultural anthropology
- Criminology
- Social psychology
Promotion to supervisor usually requires at least a master’s degree and several years of experience in juvenile justice.
The skills necessary to become a juvenile probation officer in Concord include:
- Knowledge of counseling practices and principles
- Knowledge of adolescent behavior
- Experience in the juvenile justice system
- Ability to assess treatment programs found in other agencies
- Ability to design and enforce rules
- Effectively communicate verbally and in writing with young offenders, victims, families and court officials
Newly hired juvenile probation officers must complete a two-week training program within the first year of service. In subsequent years, officers must obtain at least 40 hours of training each year.