Stephenson County Probation Department

The Stephenson County Probation Department of the 15th Judicial Circuit in the State of Illinois is under the supervision of the chief judge of that circuit. The function of the probation department has three main service areas: the court, the client and the community.

The Court

The probation department's first priority is to the courts, by providing direct supervision to the clientele, by preparing written investigative reports to the court and by informing the court of the client's performance while under supervision or probation.

The Client

In providing direct supervision to each client, the department assesses the needs for each individual and matches the intervention to their needs. By treating each client with respect and dignity the probation officer is better equipped to assist them in goal setting by increasing motivation to obtain stated goals and overcoming the barriers to success.

The Community

The role of the probation department within the community consists of keeping abreast of best practices in the field of community corrections and applying them to the individuals that remain part of the fabric of the community. By developing policy and practices that adhere to the research and collecting relevant data to guide decision making, the probation department is able to provide efficiant, cost effective services to address reoffending behavior and promote public safety.

 

15th Judicial Circuit
Stephenson Counties Probation Departments

MISSSION

The mission is to promote positive long term behavioral change utilizing proven methods to increase public safety.

VISION

We strive to create a system of community corrections in which:
• Offenders take accountability for their behavior and enhance their skills to lead a law abiding life.
• Victims of crime are ensured a voice and receive reparation.
• Community resources match the needs of the offender and are grounded in evidence based principles and practices.
• Our communities benefit from reduced recidivism and confidently invest in the criminal justice system and its necessary resources.
• We utilize effective assessment tools and adopt a philosophy that individuals receive services according to their needs

VALUES/BELIEFS

To reach our vision and accomplish our mission, the probation department is guided by the following values and beliefs:
• As Officers of the Court, we are held to a higher ethical standard, and we take responsibility for treating employees, victims, offenders and all others with dignity and respect in all interactions.
• We value our commitment to public safety and public service.
• We believe in people’s ability to change behavior and provide a safe environment for teaching and learning to occur.
• We believe that building on the strengths of offenders creates a basis for positive growth and change.
• We value teamwork and cooperation through partnerships with all justice and community stakeholders.
• We adopt a philosophy of data driven decision making to enhance program effectiveness and ensure cost efficiency.
• We respond to the directives of the local judiciary and State of Illinois Courts.
• We develop and maintain a philosophy of empowerment through partnerships with the community and the client.