Individuals who are placed on probation orders are required to report to a probation officer immediately after their court appearance. The conditions of the order as well as the outcome of failing to follow the conditions are explained to the offender.
Offenders are then required to maintain regular contact with a probation officer. This contact usually occurs at a Community Corrections' office.
An individual management plan is developed with the offender which sets goals for the person to work on to assist them to stay out of trouble.
This often involves referrals to organisations for specialist counselling and help with issues such as substance use, mental health problems and anger management. It also involves talking to their probation officer about their offending and problem areas in their life.
The individual management plan and assessment of the risk of re-offending are reviewed throughout the probation period to see if goals are being met and if new goals need to be established. How often the person will have contact with a probation officer is also determined.
The probation officer may monitor the individual's progress by contacting family members, employers, referral agencies and other sources of information.
