The Probation Department extends heartfelt appreciation to the members of the community who have provided face coverings to the County. We thank you for your support!

 

 

 

           

 

           

 

Santa Cruz Probation Department Strategic Plan 2024 - 2028

JDAI Model Site Information 

 

Welcome to the
Santa Cruz County Probation Department

The Santa Cruz County Probation Department is a nationally recognized leader in justice reform, committed to public safety, equity, and positive outcomes for youth and adults. We support individuals and families through all phases of the justice system with a focus on evidence-based practices, custody alternatives, and humane, developmentally appropriate care.

As an arm of the Court, we provide pretrial assessments, probation supervision, alternative custody, and juvenile detention across four divisions: Pretrial, Adult, Juvenile, and Institutions.

We are proud to be a model site for the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) and a recipient of the 2019 National JDAI Distinguished System Leadership Award. In 2024, we received the inaugural Visionary Chief Award from the Office of Youth and Community Restoration for our transformative juvenile justice work.

Key achievements include:

  • 88% reduction in out-of-home placements since 2015
  • 51% decrease in average daily juvenile hall population from 2014-2024
  • Opening of a Secure Youth Treatment Facility (SYTF) in 2024 under SB 823
  • Launch of two Adult Success Centers and a forthcoming Mobile Success Center
  • Establishment of a Pretrial Services Division in 2022 focused on equity and reducing incarceration

We also sponsor the Azteca Youth Soccer Program to engage at-risk youth through mentorship and teamwork, and we offer victim-offender dialogue opportunities to support healing and restoration.

Our department continues to innovate and partner with communities to build a safer, more just future for all.

Our Vision: A safe, equitable, and thriving community.
Our Mission: To contribute to community well-being through positive engagement, connection to services, and support for those impacted by crime.

Who We Are

Santa Cruz County Probation is a nationally recognized leader in criminal justice reform, serving both youth and adults. Through collaborative partnerships, evidence-based practices, and a strong commitment to equity, we help individuals rebuild their lives, reduce recidivism, and strengthen our communities.

Pretrial Division

The Pretrial Services Program aims to safely release people arrested/charged with the least restrictive level of monitoring while safeguarding community well-being and ensuring court appearances, utilizing actuarial assessments and a decision-making framework. The Pretrial program provides monitoring to those deemed eligible by the courts to remain in the community.

  • Since 2015, the average daily population (ADP) has steadily increased.
  • 2023 ADP: 301; 2024 ADP 327
  • The highest daily census rose from 331 in 2023 to 343 in August 2024
  • 629 individuals on Supervised Own Recognizance (SOR)
  • 1147 individuals monitored in 2024

Adult Probation Division

Our Adult Division supervises over 1,100 individuals and provides pre-sentence investigations for the courts. Probation Officers assess risks, support accountability, and link clients to community-based services such as mental health treatment, employment support, and substance use recovery.

We operate Probation Success Centers in Santa Cruz and Watsonville and will launch a Mobile Success Center in 2025 to increase access. In 2024, over 686 individuals received nearly 4,000 service visits. Grant-funded initiatives, like the CAFES and SUD Pilot Programs, support innovative strategies to reduce technical violations and enhance rehabilitation.

Juvenile Probation Division

Focused on prevention, diversion, and development, our Juvenile Division provides intensive support to youth ages 12–21. Services include intake screening, community supervision, family engagement, and culturally responsive programming.

Alternatives to detention such as electronic monitoring, home supervision, and youth development programs are critical tools. In 2024, 96% of youth in alternative programs made their court appearances and avoided reoffending. The Division actively addresses racial disparities, with 67% of clients identifying as Latino.

Juvenile Hall & Secure Youth Treatment Facility

Our Juvenile Hall embodies a trauma-informed, rehabilitative approach with a daily population of 9 youth in 2024—down from 18.4 in 2014. Despite fewer bookings, the youth we serve face increasingly complex needs. We offer services like mental health care, academic support, yoga, music, financial literacy, and career readiness.

In 2024, we opened our Secure Youth Treatment Facility (SYTF) to locally support higher-need youth as required by state law. Renovations and programming expansions funded through grants include a Seed to Table vocational program, enhanced classrooms, and facility safety upgrades.

Moving Forward

Our work is grounded in data, community voice, and shared commitment. Whether through coaching adults toward success or creating pathways for youth to thrive, we believe in second chances and the power of connection. We are proud to serve Santa Cruz County and remain dedicated to justice that heals and restores.