Specialized probation caseloads

Probation officers are assigned smaller caseloads dedicated exclusively to people with mental illnesses in order to better monitor their supervisees’ treatment progress.

For more information on this intervention, see this resource:

• The Essential Elements of Specialized Probation Initiatives

Local Examples

San Joaquin County, CA San Joaquin County Probation Department

• The designated probation officer works exclusively with moderate- to high-risk adults that are serving a minimum 90-day sentence, will be on probation upon release, and have co-occurring substance addiction and mental illness.
• The probation officer works with participants to develop their reentry plans before their release.
• The probation officer receives training in behavioral health, motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral interventions, and trauma-informed care.

For more information on this example, see this resource:

• Collaborative Comprehensive Case Plans ("Lead Case Planner: Community Supervision Agency")
• Four Key Measures Case Studies ("Key Measure 4 in Action: San Joaquin County, Calif.")