PT Winter 2023

PROBATION TODAY Santa Barbara Probation Department Newsletter

CHIEF HEITMAN TRANSITIONS TO COUNTY EXECUTIVE OFFICE On January 17, 2023, County Executive Officer Mona Miyasato announced the appointment of Chief Heitman to Assistant County Executive Officer (ACEO), overseeing the County’s health and human services and public safety departments. The Chief’s new restructured position will combine many key duties of outgoing ACEO Terri Nisich and former ACEO Barney Melekian. Chief Heitman will begin her new position on March 20, 2023.

LETTER FROM THE CHIEF “Change brings opportunity.”- Nido Quebin In my over 32 years with the Probation Department, I have tried to seize opportunities even when others couldn’t yet see them. As a result, I often took on new assignments and was involved in launching new initiatives while others remained skeptical. Admittedly though, some of the best opportunities were ones I had the most reservations about jumping into. While I rarely regretted getting out in front of change, often it wasn’t until well after the fact that I realized how much I had learned along the way.

I see the upcoming change to a new Chief Probation Officer as an opportunity for the entire Department. Change is often uncomfortable, but it allows us to grow and improve. This Department has seen great change, growing and improving immensely over the last 32 years. Early in my career, we CHIEF PROBATION OFFICER sometimes followed instead of led in our efforts to serve the TANJA HEITMAN Courts. In our commitment to public safety, we sometimes lost sight of -or weren’t aware of - the harm we could cause. To our credit, more recently, we have embraced evidence-based practices and learned about data-driven outcomes, brain science, and trauma-informed care.

I am very proud that we’ve changed. I am sure you are familiar with Maya Angelou’s quote, “I did then what I knew how to do. Now that I know better, I do better.” We are so much better as a Department as well as a profession. But we have much more to accomplish. As we see spikes in violent crime, we have to dig in and better understand what our community needs and how we can impact change without drifting back to old practices that weren’t effective. We must use what we’ve learned to motivate change with our clients and partners. Probation is anticipated to continue leading initiatives within the justice system. Your tenacity, resiliency, and deep understanding of the needs of the individuals we work with will position Probation to be a key partner with various agencies.

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A new Chief will bring fresh ideas and new perspectives to work, representing an incredible opportunity to move forward. As I embrace my own change, I encourage each of you to embrace the changes to come; no doubt, some will be easier than others. Be prepared to jump in early and offer your experience with an openness to learning new things. Each of you has an essential view of the work and will be uniquely positioned to assist your new Chief and the Department.

I look forward to seeing the change and how you will seize this opportunity!

NEW DEPUTY CHIEFS WELCOMED TO THE DEPARTMENT The Santa Barbara County Probation Department welcomed two new Deputy Chiefs to its team this past quarter!

On September 6th, Melinda Barrera was appointed as the new Deputy Chief of the Juvenile Division. Melinda brings over 30 years of experience from Ventura County Probation. Having served most of her career within the Juvenile and Facilities Division, she is an expert in the implementation of Continuum of Care Reform and Child and Family Team meetings, and in addressing racial disparities in the criminal justice system. Deputy Chief Barrera was officially sworn in by Chief Heitman in Santa Barbara on October 26, 2022.

On December 27th, Sam Leach joined the Santa Barbara County Probation Department as the new Deputy Chief of Juvenile Facilities. Sam brings a wealth of experience in the field of community corrections, having served as Chief of the Calaveras County Probation Department, as well as the interim Director of the Calaveras County Health and Human Services Agency. Deputy Chief Leach was officially sworn in by Chief Heitman in Santa Maria on January 31, 2023.

Congratulations and welcome to the Santa Barbara County Probation Department Melinda and Sam!

"LEADING THE WAY TO A SAFER COMMUNITY"

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VETERANS STAND DOWN On October 15th, Deputy Probation Officers (DPO) Julie Lara and James Sendejas participated in the 10th annual Santa Barbara County Veterans Stand Down at the Santa Maria Fairpark.

The one-day event served nearly 400 veterans, connecting individuals to over 90 services including food, housing, clothing, legal aid, mental health counseling, medical care and more.

AVILA VALLEY BARN

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"LEADING THE WAY TO A SAFER COMMUNITY"

POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION AT THE JUVENILE JUSTICE CENTER

The college room was designed to provide the college students with a quiet and peaceful location to attend their online courses and study. The room contains desks, beautiful wood book shelves, music, vibrant paint, and individual laptops for each student.

Youth at the Juvenile Justice Center (JJC) can now participate in college courses through Allan Hancock College (AHC) and Santa Barbara City College (SBCC). Currently, 6 youth are enrolled and participating in a variety of courses including chemistry and career development. Youth meet with an academic counselor to create a plan around their individual educational goals, which may include preparing to attend a fouryear university, obtaining an Associate’s degree, or learning a trade. Support is also provided through AHC’s “Rising Scholars” program which provides services to college enrolled youth at the JJC on a weekly basis. Rising Scholars provides an in person supportive element to supplement online courses while also preparing youth to continue in the program upon release. The Rising Scholars are previously justiceinvolved and are invested in the well-being and growth of the youth.

In addition to the transitional programs offered through AHC, youth also have the opportunity to enroll in SBCC’s “Running Start” program, for high school to college transitions, and SBCC’s “Transitions” program which focuses on providing mentorship for justice-involved students and enrollment support.

TREATMENT COMMITMENT PROGRAM On June 1st, the Probation Department convened a community meeting to discuss the closure of the Los Prietos Boys Camp and creation of a treatment program within the JJC. The meeting included stakeholders, community members, community based organizations, and other community agencies.

Subsequent to the June 1st meeting, Probation leadership engaged in more than 17 meetings, public forums, and phone calls with different agencies and community members interested in discussing the transition of the LPBC and providing input on the treatment commitment program.

On August 24th, Probation engaged stakeholders in a meeting to solicit interest in formulating important components of the program. Nine different youth-serving organizations regularly participate in workgroups designed to examine three areas: educational/vocational services, evidence based programming, and therapeutic services. In the coming year, select programs will be piloted to determine those that are best suited to the needs of our youth.

"LEADING THE WAY TO A SAFER COMMUNITY"

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PUMPKIN CONTEST WINNERS

The Lompoc and Santa Maria offices hosted a pumpkin decorating contest to celebrate Halloween. Judging took place on October 27th, where employees voted for their favorite pumpkin design. The first-place winners were Sr. DPO Jodi Brutosky (top left) & DPO Blanca Lopez (bottom left). The second-place winners were Sr. AOP. Lisa Brown (top middle) and Supervising Probation Officer (SPO) Amber Flores (bottom middle). The third-place prizes went to AOP Roseanna Regalado (top right) & Sr. DPO Heidie Hensic (bottom right). Congratulations to everyone who participated & Thank you to all the sponsors!

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4th ANNUAL MARTHA'S ANGEL TREE Martha's Annual Angel Tree charity event provided an opportunity for those wanting to make a difference and bring joy to a child in foster care during the holiday season.

The 29 Angel participants collaborated with CommUnify to get a new toy and clothing into the hands of needy children.

"LEADING THE WAY TO A SAFER COMMUNITY"

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OPERATION SAFE AT HOME In December, the Santa Barbara County Probation Department conducted county-wide wellness checks of youth on community supervision. A wellness check involves the assessment of the living environment and needs of the youth and family members in the home. Information about probation and available community resources is also provided. To support families in need during the holidays, grocery store gift cards and toys, generously donated by CommUnify's Toys for Tots program, were delivered to families. In total, 30 homes were visited, during which care packages were distributed and information provided to families on resources available to meet a variety of needs during the winter months.

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"LEADING THE WAY TO A SAFER COMMUNITY"

DIAL 2-1-1 Santa Barbara County's 2-1-1 connects Probation clients re-entering the community from incarceration with immediate and longterm services and support! Services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and in 150 languages. Clients can dial 2-1-1 or text BACKHOME to 898-211 for resource information on Basic Needs, Employment, Transportation, Substance Abuse and much more!

Services are also available by dialing: 800-400-1572 TTY: 805-919-1148 Or visit Santa Barbara County 2-1-1 website for details: https://211santabarbaracounty.org/ 09

We're Hiring!

OPEN RECRUITMENTS! We are always looking for great additions to our team! Interested and qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.

Specific information regarding any of our openings are located at the following website link: https://casantabarbaracounty.civicplus.pro/1636/E mployment-Opportunities

Design Editor: Betty Olea "LEADING THE WAY TO A SAFER COMMUNITY"