Three county probation officers stand by the open trunk of a squad car ready to distribute school supplies to local kids. (Courtesy photo)
Officers with the county Probation Department conducted visits to ensure local youth are enrolled in school, and provide them with school supplies. (Courtesy photo)

Nine Santa Barbara County Probation Department juvenile officers conducted countywide Back to School wellness visits Aug. 7 to 35 youth under community supervision.

The visits were designed to ensure youth were enrolled in school, provide needed school supplies, and discuss plans for school attendance.

Families were also provided informational flyers for Public Health’s upcoming Back to School Fair, where they can get needed vaccinations or sport medical clearances.

Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley donated 10 backpacks, and the Probation Department supplied the remaining needs.

The backpacks were filled with school supplies donated by Santa Barbara County Office of Education and personal hygiene products provided by Child Welfare Services.

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