Parole
This refers to juveniles who are released by the Commissioner of Corrections from the state juvenile correctional facilities in Red Wing and/or the facility designated by the DOC for female offenders. Similar to the status of an adult, who is released from a state prison, these juveniles are supervised in the community by juvenile probation officers.
Petition
The legal document which describes the alleged offense committed by the child .Similar to a complaint in the adult system. U.S.A. 260B.141
Pre-dispositional Report
Also known as a Social History, this is a report to the court regarding the juvenile’s criminal, family, work, school/employment history along with recommendations for the court to consider. Many times this is completed on more serious offenders who have been adjudicated
Pre-Placement Screening Team
A group of professionals familiar with child placement options who review potential out of home placements for juvenile offenders. The probation officer updates the group on what has happened in the community, what services have been tried and what placement is being recommended. Typically this group makes a recommendation supporting or offering other suggestions to the probation officer and to the local Judge. U.S.A. 260B.157
Pre-Trial Hearing
A court procedure during which the issues to be tried are narrowed and certain facts and admissions are agreed upon in order to speed up the trial.
Preponderance of Evidence
The standard of proof that requires the majority of the evidence to prove the case.
Probable Cause
A strong belief, based on facts, that a crime has been committed, that particular person has committed the crime and that evidence related to the crime exists.
Probation
Probation means court ordered sanction imposed upon an offender for a period of supervision no greater than set by statute. It is imposed as an alternative to confinement or in conjunction with confinement or intermediate sanctions. The purpose of probation is to deter further criminal behavior, punish the offender, help provide reparation to crime victims and their communities, and provide offenders with opportunities for rehabilitation. M.S.A.609.02
Probation
The process of suspending a sentence, permitting a person to remain free under the supervision of a probation officer instead of serving time in prison.
Probation Officer
Professional who provides supervision, holds offenders accountable,provides recommendations to the court, provides a variety of reports to the court and counsels juveniles who have been referred to the probation department by the Court, Law enforcement, County Attorney, or another Probation Agency.
Prosecutor
A public officer who conducts criminal proceedings on behalf of the state.
Public Defender
An attorney paid by the county, state, or federal government who is responsible for providing representation to indigent defendants in criminal prosecutions when the courts determine the defendant cannot afford to hire a private attorney.
Glossary terms provided by the following: The Manual for School Social Work Practices in Minnesota produced by the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) in partnership with the Minnesota School Social Worker Association (MSSWA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Mental Health Information Center, Center fro Mental Health Services, Hennepin County Community Corrections, Brown County Probation and Minnesota Judicial Branch.