Strengthening Family Partnerships in Juvenile Probation: Findings from Staff Perspectives and Tool Development

• In Event: Reassessing Risk, Engagement, and Innovation in Juvenile Probation Through the FORGE Framework

Abstract

Juvenile probation is the most common outcome for adjudicated youth in the U.S. The effectiveness of probation is closely tied to meaningful family engagement. When families are actively involved in the process, youth experience better outcomes. This study examined probation staffs’ perspectives on family engagement practices across six juvenile probation departments in the U.S. Specifically, we assessed staff awareness of family engagement policies and practices, overall culture of family engagement within departments, and the extent to which families were involved in case planning and case management. These findings provide valuable insights for jurisdictions seeking to enhance family engagement in juvenile probation.
However, staff perceptions represent only one side of the family engagement dynamic. To fully understand and improve family engagement, it is essential to incorporate the perspectives of youth and their families. Drawing on findings from this study, we developed a tool to assess youths’ and parents’ perceptions of family engagement in juvenile probation. This presentation will discuss key findings from the staff engagement assessment and how they informed the development of this youth- and parent-focused engagement assessment tool. We will explore implications for strengthening family-centered approaches in juvenile probation and fostering more effective partnerships between probation departments and families.

Authors

• Allison Cross, Arizona State University

• Adam Fine, Arizona State University