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Some Highlights of Our Breakout Sessions and One of Our General Sessions!
Day 1 of our conference will feature a general session by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) covering California’s new Permanent Foster Care Rate Structure. Starting July 2025, a key part of this rate structure will take effect, requiring the use of standardized high-fidelity Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) assessment for all youth and non-minor dependents (NMDs) in foster care. This important CANS update will be explored in depth during a breakout session later that day.
Spotlight
Lake County Probation’s 4th Annual Resilient Re-Entry Event Aimed at Overcoming Odds
From Lake County Record Bee and CPOC Communications team.
At Lake County Probation, they believe in second chances and the power of resilience while providing both supervision and services to those in their custody. This commitment was on full display at the 4th Annual Resilient Re-Entry Event, hosted in partnership with the Lake County Campus of Woodland Community College.
The event served as a reminder that re-entry is more than just a process—it’s a journey of resilience, perseverance, and longterm community support and safety. Attendees had the opportunity to hear firsthand success stories from those who have overcome challenges and worked toward a better future.
Lake County Probation Chief Probation Officer Wendy Mondfrans said,
“This year’s Resilient Reentry was a fantastic event! Throughout the day individuals inspired those in attendance with their incredible stories of resilience, transformation, and impact. The message was clear that with a desire to change, this community is ready to help people make a difference in their lives. We are thankful for the team that helped put the event together and look forward to more successful events in the future.”
County Spotlight: Yuba County Probation’s F.O.R. Families Graduation
YUBA COUNTY, Calif., — On March 14, 2025, Yuba County Probation celebrated the achievements of participants in the F.O.R. Families program at a graduation ceremony held at the TEAM Center in Marysville. Eleven individuals completed the outpatient substance-abuse treatment program, and six people also earned their high school diplomas in partnership with the Yuba County Office of Education.
County Spotlight: Stanislaus County Probation Success Story – When Support and Accountability Meet
Sacramento, Calif., July 7, 2025 – For Juan, the journey through Stanislaus County Probation has been more than a chance to follow rules — it’s been an opportunity to rebuild his future, step by step, with accountability, guidance, support, and hope.
ICYMI: Experts Sound the Alarm on Prop. 36 Funding Gaps in Davis Vanguard Op-Ed
From Davis Vanguard
Sacramento, Calif., June 10, 2025 — In an opinion editorial published today, Davis Vanguard Editor and Founder David Greenwald highlights growing concerns about the recently announced legislative budget agreement and its failure to adequately fund implementation of Proposition 36, despite overwhelming voter support last November.
In the piece, Greenwald outlines concerns from across the spectrum – including from California Probation and state legislators – about the funding shortfall counties will face as they are expected to carry out the law’s provisions.
New Mural Brings Color and Healing to Monterey County Probation Department Juvenile Hall Garden
Monterey County, Calif., June 3, 2025 – A new mural within the garden of the Monterey County Juvenile Hall was unveiled Friday, May 30th at the Juvenile Hall facility, located at 1420 Natividad Road, Salinas. The mural is a creation of the young men in the facility and artist Fabian Debora of Homeboy Art Academy, a Los Angeles nonprofit that helps youth find identity and understand their roots through art. This special initiative marks Debora’s second visit to the Monterey County Juvenile Hall.
Victim Resources
CA Department of Justice Victims’ Services Unit – The Victims’ Services Unit offers crime victims and their families support and information at every stage of the criminal process.
CA Dept. of Corrections and Rehabilitation, OVSRS – Provides information on offender release, restitution, parole conditions and parole hearings when the offender is incarcerated in prison. 1-877-256-6877
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Fresno County’s Chief Kirk Haynes named Chief Probation Officer of the Year for 2025
From the FOX 26 and Hanford Sentinel.
December 9, 2025 – Chief Kirk Haynes of the Fresno County Probation Department has been honored as the 2025 Chief Probation Officer of the Year by the Chief Probation Officers of California.
The award, which is rarely given, recognizes extraordinary leadership and transformative contributions to the probation profession.
The last award was presented nearly a decade ago in 2016.
CPOC President Chief Steve Jackson praised Haynes, saying, “Chief Haynes represents the very best of our profession. He is a leader who inspires trust, elevates people, and strengthens systems wherever he serves.” Jackson highlighted Haynes’ integrity and leadership, which have significantly shaped Fresno County’s success and guided statewide efforts through challenging policy landscapes.
Chief Haynes expressed his gratitude, stating, “I am deeply honored by this recognition from my peers. This award reflects the collective effort of an incredible team in Fresno County and the broader probation family across California.”
His influence extends statewide as Chair of CPOC’s Legislative Committee, where he is a respected voice in policy discussions affecting community corrections and youth justice.
Chief Haynes assumed leadership of the Fresno County Probation Department in 2018 at a time marked by operational strain, low morale, and a need for renewed vision. Under his guidance, the department rebuilt its organizational foundation, strengthened its culture, and restored trust. His work has centered on professionalism, integrity, service, and accountability across every level of the department, a release stated.
Chief Haynes also represents California probation before the Board of State and Community Corrections, where he has helped guide major system reforms, including Title 15 regulatory revisions. These efforts shape standards, operations, and oversight for county facilities. Haynes is known across the state for his fairness, thoughtful approach, and ability to unify stakeholders while achieving meaningful outcomes, according to colleagues.
“Chief Haynes is a leader people listen to, not because he demands it, but because he earns it,” Jackson added. “He exemplifies servant leadership and stands as the kind of Chief every department hopes to have. He is a man of faith, principled, trusted, and deeply committed to people and community.”
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Placer County Probation’s Dean Dittman Receives CPOC Statewide Recognition with Affiliate Employee of the Year Award
From the Placer Sentinel.
December 8, 2025 – Dean Dittmann, a longtime leader within the Probation IT Managers Association (PITMA), a driving force behind the affiliate’s statewide growth, and a valued member of the Placer County Probation Department, has been honored at the statewide 2025 Annual Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC) Awards Ceremony with the PITMA Employee of the Year Award. This award recognizes Dean’s visionary leadership, his commitment to elevating IT services for Probation Departments throughout California, and his remarkable ability to build connection and community within the probation profession.
“Dean’s leadership has helped transform how probation impacts our communities and brings people together to enhance the probation profession not just here in Placer County but throughout the entire state,” said Chief Brian Passenheim, Chief Probation Officer of Placer County. “His creativity, authenticity, and ability to foster collaboration have made a profound difference in how our teams connect and work together.”
Dean has reshaped how Probation IT Managers connect throughout the state to enhance the ways in which probation departments throughout California can manage caseloads, engage with those under supervision and deliver and connect people to rehabilitative services. His leadership within PITMA ensures that every participant feels valued, heard, and connected.
One of Dean’s signature contributions is the positive message he champions within PITMA: “I’m doing a great job.” More than a phrase, it has become a reflection point for members to recognize their efforts, celebrate progress, and support one another. This message has resonated widely, becoming part of Probation IT Managers Association’s identity and inspiring professionals statewide.
“Dean doesn’t just manage IT services for probation, he builds community,” said Chief Steve Jackson, Chief Probation Officers of California President. “His dedication to enhancing the probation profession and probation work throughout California with innovative and responsive IT services reflects exactly this award honors. His leadership sets a high standard for all of us.”
Chief Probation Officers of California proudly recognizes Dean Dittmann for his outstanding service, his forward-thinking leadership, and his lasting contributions to PITMA and the broader field of probation. His work continues to elevate probation operations and strengthen collaboration statewide.
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Read the full article here.
