On December 17, 2020, the Santa Barbara County Probation Department, in collaboration with the Office of the District Attorney, Victim Services Division, conducted county-wide wellness checks on active probation clients. The operation specifically focused on probationers where it was determined there were children, victims, or vulnerable adults in the home. These cases included but were not limited to domestic violence, child abuse, elder abuse, family violence, and where there was a child likely residing in the home. The operation covered the Santa Maria, Orcutt, Lompoc, Santa Barbara, and Goleta areas.  

The operational objectives were to perform wellness checks on active probationers and their families. This included assessing their living environment, documenting any needs of the probationer and/or family members, providing information on probation and community resources, and ensuring client compliance with their terms and conditions of probation, in order to deter future criminal activity and reduce recidivism.

Wellness bags were handed out to each family and children in the home. These bags included facemasks, hand sanitizer, sanitizing cloths, first aid kits, thermometers, stress balls, and several brochures for resources available in the community and Probation Department.  Child wellness bags were holiday-themed and included popcorn, coloring books, crayons, puzzles, and candy canes.

The combined effort was a success. A total of 36 locations were visited with 30 contacts made and zero arrests. Officers handed out 43 family and child wellness bags.

The Santa Barbara County Probation Department is committed to community safety and taking a proactive role in accountability and family wellness. A total of 20 Deputy Probation Officers and 3 Victim Advocates from the District Attorney’s office participated. 

Read the full article here on the Santa Barbara Edhat.