NEWS RELEASE
Every year, the American Probation and Parole Association (APPA) and community corrections departments across the country and Canada honor the thousands of probation, parole and community supervision professionals who play a vital role in public safety and work to change lives.
From July 16 through July 22, Multnomah County will join the national effort by honoring the more than 570 employees at Multnomah County’s Department of Community Justice (DCJ). Multnomah County’s Department of Community Justice supervises more than 13,000 adult probationers and parolees annually, processes about 32,000 cases through its recognizance unit, receives more than 3,000 youth referrals, and serves more than 700 youth and their families through informal or formal supervision and diversion programs.
“Corrections professionals work alongside law enforcement and community agencies to provide social services and protections for victims,” said Scott Taylor, director of the Department of Community Justice. “They work in homes, in schools and in the community, and they work on some of the most demanding and dangerous issues like gang or domestic violence.”
This year’s theme, “Clients, Employees, and Communities – Empowerment through Partnerships,” recognizes industry professionals alongside community partnerships that include housing and treatment providers and culturally specific community-based organizations.
One such partnership is the Community Healing Initiative (CHI), a collaborative partnership between DCJ, Latino Network and Portland Opportunities Industrialization Center (POIC). CHI aims to decrease youth violence by providing culturally appropriate community support to youth and families.
CHI program staff work closely with youth and their families to tailor plans that meet each family’s needs. For many youth and their families, participation in CHI can help them make positive life changes.
You are invited to listen to a podcast showcasing the voices of CHI youths, family members and staff from the various agencies as they describe how and why this program has made a difference in our community.
The Multnomah County Board of Commissioners will also proclaim July 16 - 22 as National American Probation and Parole Association Pretrial, Probation, Parole Supervision Week in Multnomah County at its regular board meeting on Thursday, July 20, 2017, at 9:30 am.
For more information about Pretrial, Probation and Parole Supervision Week, please contact Jessica Morkert-Shibley at (971) 563-3735.
