Chapter 12 Discussion

1. What are the advantages and disadvantages regarding probation and parole officers carrying weapons? Suppose you were a probation officer. Would you carry a weapon on the job? Why or why not? Would you carry a firearm only under certain conditions (such as supervising a certain type of individual)?
2. Identify possible sources of stress for probation and parole officers. Out of the possible sources of stress you identified, which ones can be controlled by the officer and which ones are functions of the job? Discuss innovative ways that the various sources of work-related stress can be effectively managed.
3. Agree or disagree with the following statement: Private probation supervision and treatment services should be expanded. What, if any, limitations or controls would you place on private probation agencies? Support your position with information from the text and outside sources.

Chapter 13 Discussion

1. What is the main difference between juvenile delinquency and conduct in need of supervision (status offenses)? Provide an example of each. What determines whether a case merits transfer to adult court and how is this accomplished? How does parens patriae influence the way juvenile offenders are processed? There is a growing similarity between juvenile and adult criminal proceedings. Do you feel that the juvenile justice system should be more like the adult system? Why or why not?
2. Choose one type of residential placement for juveniles (Table 13.4 on page 318) and research the effectiveness of this type of residential setting. Does research show this an effective method of placement? Locate an online example of this type of residential program. Does the site give information about the number and characteristics of juveniles who are placed there and about the type of services provided?
3. Why did Mark Jacobs (1990) describe juvenile probation officers as "super heroes"? How is this exemplified in both ISP and School-based probation? Is school-based probation an effective means of supervision? Why or why not?
4. What did the Court say in the case of Fare v. Michael C.? Why is that case important for probation officers? Of the juvenile justice cases that have been decided by the U.S. Supreme Court, what general trend or direction are these decisions going for juveniles? Do you agree with this trend? Why or why not? If you could change anything about the juvenile justice system, what would it be and how would your change make an improvement?
5. You are a juvenile probation officer attempting to decide what to do about each of the court referrals before you (pages 332 – 333) in order to make recommendations to the judge. Answer the questions in regard to each case: Should the case be dismissed? Should it be diverted to another program? Should a case be adjudicated? If so, should the case be adjudicated within the juvenile system, or should the case be waived to adult court? Support your decision with information from the text and other sources.