Probation Department challenged to do more

Minister of Home Affairs, Information and Public Affairs Wilfred Abrahams wants the Probation Department to step up its efforts to help keep the nation’s youth on the right path.

In fact, he has challenged staff there to “come up with a new mission statement that is relevant and captures what the department is all about in 2020”.

Abrahams shared his vision today as he toured the Roebuck Street, St Michael offices of the government agency which aims to reduce the incidence and impact of delinquency and crime.

“We need to keep our young people on a positive path and make a positive difference to our clients, no matter what stage they reach us at,” he said.

Minister Abrahams also cited a need for government departments that offer services to the youth to communicate more effectively with each other, and not operate in silos, so that the needs of the youth can be addressed holistically.

During today’s visit, he met Acting Chief Probation Officer Denise Agard, along with her deputy, three senior probation officers, 11 probation officers, two community service officers and auxiliary staff. They discussed the department’s operations and possible ways to make the agency more effective.

Apart from providing pre-sentencing reports for court cases, the Probation Department creates rehabilitative programmes; supervises individuals who have been sentenced by the court to community service; and counsels, mentors and assists clients of the department with social issues.

Abrahams, who was reassigned to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Information and Public Affairs a month ago, expressed satisfaction with the engagement and interaction from the staff, and said he was looking forward to working with them to develop structures and programmes that would help the island’s youth be the best they can be.