Probation departments in fulfilling their purpose may also provide a broad range of services including, but not limited to crime and delinquency prevention, victim restitution programs and inter/volunteer programs.
Beliefs in the individual's capability for behavioral change lead probationers to a commitment to the reintegration of the offender into the community. The possibility for constructive change of behavior is based on the recognition and acceptance of the principal of individual responsibility. Much of probation practice focuses on identifying and making available those services and programs that will best afford offenders an opportunity to become responsible law abiding citizens. Offenders do have rights deserving of protection and requires fair and individualized due process of law adjudicating and sentencing the offender. However, not all offenders have the same capacity or willingness to benefit from measures designed to produce law-abiding citizens. Probation practitioners recognize the variations among individuals. The present offense, the degree of risk to the community and the potential for change can be assessed only in the context of the offender's individual history and experience.
Intervention in an offender's life should be the minimal amount needed to protect society and promote law-abiding behavior. Probation subscribes to the principle of intervening in an offender's life only to the extent necessary. Where further intervention appears unwarranted, minimal justice system involvement should be terminated. Where needed intervention can best be provided by an agency outside the system, the offender should be diverted from the system to that agency. Thus, if the community would not be endangered by a convicted person's presence and the individual can provide evidence of an ability to engage in pro-social, law-abiding behavior, then it would be in the best interest of the individual and society for the person to remain at liberty in the community.
