Juvenile Probation

Location


Robert P. Griffin Hall of Justice - Lower Level
280 Washington Street
Traverse City, MI 49684
Phone Number: 231-922-4650


Mission


Under the leadership of Judge Melanie D. Stanton, the team of Juvenile Probation Officers for the 13th Circuit Court - Family Division strive to develop healthy youth and families, while aiming to ensure the safety of the community.

The emphasis is on the process of change through the three main pillars of probation:
  • Accountability
  • Consequence
  • Treatment

Approach 

The Juvenile Division embraces the practice of blending consequential and therapeutic measures to fully respond to youth with unlawful behaviors.  Results generated from the Court's assessment instruments, in addition to psychiatric and psychological evaluations and clinical diagnoses, assist in providing a customized direction in determining the probation terms best suited for the youth's rehabilitation.

Juvenile probation is designed to promote personal growth, principle-driven lifestyles, and law abiding conduct. The Juvenile Division believes that our goal to improve the lives of youth and families is enhanced by:

  • Advocating for and addressing the needs of victims, offenders, families, and communities
  • Building and maintaining community-based partnerships
  • Implementing results based on outcome-driven services and practices
  • Obtaining and sustaining sufficient resources
  • Promoting growth and development of juvenile probation professionals

Probation Compliance


When placed on probation at the Dispositional Hearing (sentencing), youth are assigned to a Probation Officer and provided with an Order of Disposition. Youth to comply with the terms of their probation for the duration of the probationary period. The probationary period typically ranges from 6-12 months. If probation violations occur, probation may be extended indefinitely until compliance is met.

Assessment Instruments

The Probation Department administers the following assessments:

  • Massachusetts Youth Screening Instrument (MAYSI) - Assesses mental health needs. 
  • Michigan Juvenile Justice Assessment System (MJJAS) - Determines criminogenic factors. 
  • Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) - Screens for trauma. 
  • Youth Level of Service (YLS) - Assesses risks and needs.