Juvenile Probation

Mission

Under the leadership of Judge Jennifer L. Whitten, the team of Juvenile Probation Officers for the 13th Circuit Court - Family Division strive to develop healthy youth and families, while aiming to ensure the safety of the community.

The emphasis is on the process of change through the three main pillars of probation:

  • Screening and Assessment
  • Intervention/Treatment
  • Accountability

Approach 

The Juvenile Division embraces the practice of blending accountability and therapeutic measures to fully respond to youth with unlawful behaviors.  Results generated from the Court's screening/assessment instruments, in addition to collected background information, psychiatric and psychological evaluations and clinical diagnoses, and various other forms of information, assist in providing an individualized direction for determining the probation terms best suited for the youth's rehabilitation.

Juvenile probation is designed to promote personal growth, responsible decision making, and law-abiding conduct. The Juvenile Division believes that our goal to improve the lives of youth and families is enhanced by:

  • Advocating for and addressing the needs of offenders, families, victims, and communities
  • Building and maintaining community-based partnerships
  • Implementing results based on outcome-driven services and practices
  • Obtaining and sustaining sufficient resources
  • Promoting growth and development of juvenile probation professionals

Probation Compliance

When placed on probation at the Dispositional Hearing (sentencing), youth are assigned to a Probation Officer and provided with an Order of Disposition. Youth are to comply with the terms of their probation for the duration of the probationary period. The probationary period typically ranges from 6-12 months. If probation violations occur, probation may be extended until compliance is achieved.

Assessment Instruments

The Probation Department administers the following assessments:

  • Massachusetts Youth Screening Instrument (MAYSI) - Assesses mental health needs
  • Michigan Juvenile Justice Assessment System (MJJAS) - Determines criminogenic factors and assesses risks and needs 
  • Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) - Screens for trauma 

Contact Us

  1. Juvenile Probation

    Physical Address
    Robert P. Griffin Hall of Justice - Lower Level
    280 Washington St.
    Traverse City, MI 49684


    Directions

  2. Cheryl Goodwin

    Chief Probation Officer
    cgoodwin@gtcountymi.gov
    Phone: 231-922-6870

  3. Jeff Burdick

    Probation Officer
    jburdick@gtcountymi.gov
    Phone: 231-922-4509

  4. Matt Ferguson

    Probation Officer
    mferguso@gtcountymi.gov
    Phone: 231-922-4652

  5. Heather Prevo

    Probation Officer
    hprevo@gtcountymi.gov
    Phone: 231-922-4705