BRISTOL COUNTY PROBATE & FAMILY PROBATION DEPARTMENT EARNS RECERTIFICATION

The Bristol Division of the Probate & Family Court Probation Department recently marked its recertification at a special ceremony held at the New Bedford Courthouse.

The department received a 92.4 ranking. Courts must score 85 percent or better to become recertified. A recertification process is conducted every three years to measure the effectiveness of Probation Officers within their respective courts and in the communities they serve. Bristol Probate & Family Court Probation Department's recertification is effective through February 2007.

Bristol County Probate & Family Court's Probation Department includes Chief Probation Officer James A. Casey, Assistant Chief Probation Officer Carl J. Cruz, seven Probation Officers, one Associate Probation Officer as well as support staff.

Probate & Family Court Probation Officers are involved with dispute interventions, case monitoring and investigation.

"Our Probate & Family Court Probation Department in Bristol County is one of the most highly qualified and effective departments in the state. Our staff work daily with families experiencing excruciating emotional pain. They help them resolve their issues with dignity and respect. They provide an invaluable service to the residents of Bristol County and richly deserve this recognition," said First Justice Elizabeth O'Neill LaStaiti.

The Massachusetts Probation Service is a department of the Massachusetts Trial Court. There are 12 Probate & Family Court, 12 Superior Court and 63 District Court probation offices statewide. The Office of the Commissioner of Probation serves as the central administrative office for the state Probation Service.