How is Mental Health Court Probation Officer’s role different from a regular Probation Officer?
Mental Health Court Probation Officers have Masters degrees in Psychology or Social Work and they have extensive experience in the mental health field. They have a more problem-solving role than a regular Probation Officer. When a defendant is out of compliance, the Probation Officer will work with the client, case managers, and treatment providers to evaluate the situation as a whole. They will attempt to facilitate behavioral change as well as recommending appropriate court action, rather than simply reporting violations to the court. Community safety remains a primary concern for Mental Health Court Probation Officers.
