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News  Trial Court leaders and representatives from the juvenile justice field recognize Juvenile Probation Statewide Supervisor John Millett at virtual retirement party

9/10/2021
  • Massachusetts Probation Service

Media Contact   for Trial Court leaders and representatives from the juvenile justice field recognize Juvenile Probation Statewide Supervisor John Millett at virtual retirement party

Coria Holland, Communications Director

Juvenile Probation Statewide Supervisor John Millett, known for his work in reducing recidivism and detention rates among children in the Bay State—including the reduction of probation violation rates by 50 percent—was celebrated at a “Surprise Zoom Send-off” retirement party attended by his family, Probation and Trial Court colleagues, and representatives from the juvenile justice and legal fields.

John Millett
John Millett

Millett, a 36-year Probation employee, officially retired in June. During the send-off celebration, Probation Commissioner Edward Dolan recognized Millett’s distinguished career and his efforts to help improve the lives of court-involved youths and their families. Juvenile Court Chief Justice Amy Nechtem also spoke about the impact of Mr. Millett’s work.

“John said we could cut violations by 50 percent. When John said that to me, I heard it as 15 percent and I thought well, that’s ambitious, but it is nice to dream. Then he said ‘no, no. I said 50’ and then he did it. It was really remarkable. It is remarkable John, the impact you’ve had,” said Commissioner Dolan. “We’ve taken it and transferred to the adult system.”

Department of Youth Services Commissioner Peter Forbes also reflected on Mr. Millett and his interactions with him.

“It’s really great to be able to work with people that you can professionally agree with and it is also harder to work with people that can professionally disagree with and still get to a good place. I want to thank John. It is a loss and not just to the Massachusetts Probation Service but it is a loss for all of us,” said Peter Forbes, Commissioner of the Department of Youth Services (DYS).

“John you said it yourself….You are just trying to dedicate your life’s work to help kids and families live a better life. I know from working with you myself too I have also set a real connection that I always felt with you on that level. You’re truly a Probation Officer’s Probation Officer, really driven by the best things on the job. Help people get to a better place in life, trying to help communities become a better place. We’ll miss you,” said Brian Mirasolo, Deputy Commissioner of Probation-Field Services.

“I know we talk a lot about your impact on the juvenile system and with the kids and making things better for kids and their outcomes. One of the great testaments to the work you’ve done and Commissioner Dolan and Peter (DYS Commissioner) is that we are trying to now replicate that with adults. Not only helping kids, you’re helping adults too. You’ve shown us the way with adults too. I just want to add that to your legacy,” said Deputy Commissioner of Probation- Programs Division Michael Coelho.

“Thank you to the Juvenile Court Chiefs and to the District Court Chiefs I began supervising who have made my job easy. Thank you so much,” said Mr. Millett.

He first joined the Massachusetts Probation Service as a Bristol Juvenile Court Probation Officer in 1985. Mr. Millett was promoted to First Assistant Chief Probation Officer at the court in 2000. He was later named acting Chief Probation Officer at Barnstable County/Town of Plymouth Juvenile Court in April 2005 and appointed permanent chief in October 2005. In 2012, Mr. Millett was appointed Statewide Supervisor of the Juvenile Courts, a position he held until his recent retirement. He is a graduate of the College of the Holy Cross where he earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology. In 2014 John was invited to join the Probation System Reform Practice Network through the Robert F. Kennedy Children’s Action Corps.

Media Contact   for Trial Court leaders and representatives from the juvenile justice field recognize Juvenile Probation Statewide Supervisor John Millett at virtual retirement party

  • Massachusetts Probation Service 

    MPS's main goal is to keep communities safe and to provide people on probation with the rehabilitative tools they need to live a productive and law-abiding life.

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