The 2024 Probation and Pretrial Services Week will take place July 21-27 to honor probation and pretrial professionals who work to keep communities safe, and support the rehabilitative process for justice-involved individuals.

Throughout Santa Barbara County the Probation Department provides accountability, opportunity and hope by using evidence-based strategies to help people achieve long-term success, according to Chief Probation Officer Holly Benton.”

Santa Barbara County’s probation professionals exhibit the highest level of dedication and service to their community,” Benton said.

“Striking a balance between accountability and treatment, these officers empower individuals to make positive changes, and offer hope in the form of second chances,” she said. “When clients are successful, communities are safer.”

Locally, probation acts as the bridge to connect those in the justice system with services such as workforce development, substance use treatment, mental health services, family engagement, education, and more, probation professionals help keep communities safe through individualized supervision and rehabilitative programs.

Statewide, probation officers employ evidence-based practices and strategies beyond monitoring and compliance, including additional training in trauma-informed care, cognitive behavioral therapy, and strength-based approaches.

Probation professionals guide and support justice-involved individuals, assisting them in a successful re-entry into their communities through a balance of enforceable accountability and opportunities for change through transformative rehabilitation programs.

For more about Probation Services Week or the Santa Barbara County Probation Department, visit www.sbprobation.org.