Probation Officers Join Students and Teachers this Fall in Middlesex County

          Students and teachers are not the only ones returning to school this fall.

          Probation Officers, 27 in Middlesex County, are among the staff, court-involved children will encounter this year. The Probation Officers, may be found walking the corridor or meeting with students in their offices at the school. Probation Officers also meet with school administrators, teachers, and collaborate with the court liaison at the schools. There are 218 public schools in Middlesex County.

          Probation Officers were first assigned to the schools in Middlesex County in 1999. The students meet with their Probation Officers during recess or break, according to Middlesex Juvenile Court Chief Probation Officer Gil Sakakeeney.

          "Children are serviced better in their communities and especially in their schools. The most important part of their day is spent in school. Having Probation Officers in the school serves as an ever-present reminder for children who are court-involved. We make sure that the children get to school on time. We see how they dress and what they do in school," said Middlesex Juvenile Court Chief Probation Officer Gil Sakakeeny. "Our presence in the schools also helps us to build better relationships with the schools and enables us to exchange information and provide important resources and services for the children."

          Middlesex County Probation Officer Maureen Flaherty is one of two P.O.'s who work at nine Cambridge grammar schools, a charter school, alternative school and a large high school that comprise five separate divisions or schools.

          "We get a fuller picture of the court-involved child in school. When he or she comes to court, they are in an artificial environment and are with their parents. It is different in the schools," Flaherty said. "Of course it is surprising for the children. But, they come to realize that they have adults and professionals who have their best interest in mind. They know that we are taking them seriously and doing what we say we are going to do. We are also making them accountable for their actions."

          She added, "The presence of Probation Officers in the schools is also helpful to administrators. If a child is having a hard time or a crisis or if they have special education needs, we are there to help."

          "By the time a child gets to the point where they are involved with the court, it is evident that they need organization and consistency in their lives and someone who will follow through. They need someone who will make sure that they tow the line," said Ellen Vorella, principal of the Peabody School in Cambridge.

          The Massachusetts Probation Service is a department of the Office of the Commissioner of Probation. Probation's Juvenile Court system includes 11 divisions which represent every county in the state. There are 12 Superior Court, 70 District Court and 12 Probate and Family Court probation offices throughout the Commonwealth. The Office of the Commissioner of Probation (OCP) serves as the central administrative office for the state Probation service and the Office of Community Corrections which operates 21 Community Corrections Centers throughout the state.