Marysville, CA. – On March 14, 2025, the Yuba County Probation Department celebrated the success of 11 individuals who completed the department’s outpatient substance abuse treatment program, For Our Recovery Families (F.O.R. Families), alongside six individuals who earned their high school diplomas. The graduation ceremony, held at the TEAM Center in Marysville, marked a powerful moment of resilience and transformation for participants working to rebuild their lives.

As California continues to prioritize the need for balancing accountability in the justice system with treatment-based alternatives to incarceration, Yuba County Probation remains at the forefront, ensuring that justice-involved individuals have access to the programs necessary for lasting change. The F.O.R. Families program provides critical services, including substance abuse counseling, mental health therapy, self-help group participation, and regular probation check-ins, all designed to reduce recidivism and promote long-term stability.

Chief Probation Officer Matt Ricardy emphasized the department’s role in both holding individuals accountable and equipping them with the tools for lasting success.

“Probation is a critical bridge between accountability and rehabilitation. We hold individuals accountable for their actions, but we also guide them through transformative programs that provide a real path forward. This balance is key to creating long-term community safety by helping people rebuild their lives and become positive contributors to society. I am so proud of the work these graduates have done and the wonderful work our probation department officers and staff have done in working with them.”

This year’s 11 graduates from the F.O.R. Families program have demonstrated perseverance and dedication in their journey toward recovery. Through structured outpatient treatment, consistent accountability, and access to vital resources, these individuals have taken significant steps toward building healthier, more stable futures. The program provides a personalized approach to recovery, ensuring that participants receive the support they need to overcome substance use challenges while remaining safely engaged in their communities.

The success of these graduates reflects the proven impact of balancing accountability and rehabilitation, which emphasizes personal responsibility while providing the tools necessary for lasting change. Many of the graduates are now pursuing employment opportunities, reconnecting with their families, and contributing positively to their communities.

The event also celebrated the achievements of six probation clients who earned their high school diplomas through a partnership with the Yuba County Office of Education. Access to education is a crucial factor in reducing recidivism and opening doors to stable employment and self-sufficiency.

 As the demand for rehabilitation-focused sentencing grows, probation remains central in coordinating assessments, treatment plans, and supervision to ensure both public safety and individual success.

This graduation serves as a testament to the life-changing impact of structured support and the dedication of those who strive to overcome past challenges.

About Yuba County Probation

The Yuba County Probation Department is committed to reducing recidivism and enhancing public safety through structured supervision and rehabilitative services. The department operates the TEAM Center, which provides court-mandated programs, including substance abuse treatment, mental health therapy, anger management, parenting classes, and educational opportunities. By fostering accountability and personal growth, Yuba County Probation empowers individuals to move forward with purpose and stability.