The Santa Barbara County Probation Department recently paid countywide Back-to-School wellness visits to 30 youth under probation supervision to ensure they have the supplies and support they need to begin the school year.

As part of the annual visits, Probation Department staff confirm school enrollment and assist youth who have not yet registered for the upcoming school year.

The department also works to identify and address individual needs that may present barriers to school success.

This year, the Probation Department introduced a youth “wish list,” giving young people an opportunity to identify the items they needed most. Requests included sneakers, backpacks and clothing.

The Santa Barbara County Office of Education again donated school supply bags, helping provide youth with essential materials.

“The Probation Department is committed to community safety and to supporting accountability and family wellness,” said Holly Benton, chief probation officer.

“These visits allow us to connect directly with youth and families, making sure they start the school year with everything they need to be happy and successful,” she said.

Youth and families expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to identify their individual needs and for having probation staff connect with them before the school year began, organizers said.

The direct engagement also provides an opportunity for staff to strengthen relationships with youth and families while helping remove barriers to educational success, they said.