Like many of her peers, Pam Lewis a parole/probation officer in the Department of Community Justice is always encouraging her clients to get more involved in pro-social activities. She needs activities that are low-cost, won’t tempt alcohol or drug use, and promotes a positive connection to the local community. Luckily, she found the Summer Nights program at Roosevelt High School. Sponsored by Southlake Church, Roosevelt High, and the St. Johns Community, Summer Nights is a series of events featuring music, food, and family-filled fun.
Pam Lewis and four of her fellow officers in the North Office arranged to move a regular office visit to one scheduled at the Summer Nights event. Over 20 clients and their family members participated in the summer series. “Our clients enjoyed it because we could meet outside and the officers benefited by the opportunity to meet our clients’ family members and supporters in a relaxed and fun setting,” shared Lewis.
As the department takes advantage of emerging technology, parole/probation officers and juvenile court counselors will become increasingly more mobile. Traditional office-based meetings can more frequently be replaced by community-based meetings.