Probation Instructor Is "OUTSTANDING"

This evening, UC Davis Extension will honor all of its instructors at the biennial Instructor Appreciation Reception and particularly honor several instructors as "Outstanding Service Award" recipients. It is fitting that Carol Ritchie is the first of our probation instructors to receive this distinctive honor.

Carol has given her life to the safety of communities and the betterment of the lives of youth. She has spent over three decades as a deputy probation officer, supervising probation officer and finished her career as a director; all in the largest probation department in the country. Carol was an early member of our Probation Advisory Committee and joined us as an instructor after her retirement in 2003. As an instructor, Carol has credibility but most importantly, she shares a passion for the well-being of youth involved with juvenile justice. Carol has been a leader in the probation field around group home monitoring, placement policies, and permanency for juvenile justice youth.

It is an honor for US to have Carol Ritchie as an instructor. We know that she is appreciated by participants as "one of our own."

If you are passionate about probation and youth, we invite you to consider becoming a part time instructor. Our vision is that "all children are loved and nurtured by safe, supportive families and communities." We are committed to child and family well-being and value family, dignity, integrity, hope, and excellence.

The Power of Love

The title of this blog might sound sappy if it hadn't been uttered in a Pasadena court room yesterday, April 22, 2010 from the bench. Commissioner Robert Leventar was presiding at the adoption finalization for Bryan Z. who has been under the supervision of the Los Angeles County Probation Department for over two years. Bryan, age 15, was finally being adopted by his former step-father to join his three sisters who had already been adopted.

Bryan and his sisters had been under the care of the Los Angeles Department of Children and Family Services when he became involved with the juvenile justice system. His sisters adoptions went forward. Thanks to hard work by the Los Angeles Probation Department in collaboration with the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services; Bryan finally legally joined his sisters and his father. It was not a smooth road nor a quick one. It was filled with frustration but tenacity and commitment saw it to completion.

Bryan is quiet and shy but quick to tell you of the importance of being with family and to have love, support and a place to belong forever. His father is composed and dignified. Watching and listening to his affirmations to the questions of his attorney, making the commitment to Bryan for a lifetime was incredibly moving. And his probation officer spoke with tears of the frustrations and a commitment to Bryan and his family. Lisa Motton-Campbell told the family, "Everyone in this courtroom is now your extended family. We are here to support you."

The power of love knows no age limits or professional boundaries. Where will the power of love take you and the youth with whom you work?