Adult Probation Services
Probation Agents supervise all gross misdemeanor and misdemeanor files sentenced in Otter Tail County District Court or those files sentenced in a different court if the client resides in Otter Tail County. Some files require basic monitoring while other files involve comprehensive case management. Agents follow established contact standards based on a validated risk and needs assessment.
Effective supervision relies on comprehensive case management with the use of evidence-based practices. Validated risk and needs assessments are utilized for all adults subject to supervised probation. Case planning and cognitive behavioral interventions are essential tools in guiding positive behavior change. Relationship building with the client and community stakeholders is a focal point while working with clients to restore the harm committed to the best of their ability.
Cognitive Skills Program
Otter Tail County Probation engages in several cognitive behavioral interventions within Adult Services. These cognitive behavioral interventions assist clients recognize negative or risky thoughts and feelings. Since thoughts precede action, learning to recognize risky thoughts and then reframe them in a positive way results in a change in outcome, effectively stopping the behavior before it becomes problematic.
Carey Guides
Carey Guides are handbooks which specifically address the criminogenic and case management needs of clients. Worksheets and Brief Intervention Tools are completed by the juvenile to assist them recognize and understand their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Otter Tail County Probation purchased the electronic version of Carey Guides in 2020 to provide the ability to assign, complete, and review juvenile work at any time and from any location. Carey Guides are utilized at no cost to the client.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Probation Agents may make referrals for cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) if the client may benefit from more intensive, direct cognitive programming from a licensed therapist. CBT assists clients manage symptoms of their mental health, learn coping techniques, cope with grief or loss, overcome trauma, and learn overall skills to manage stressful life situations.
Cost-Benefit Analysis
Probation Agents may utilize a cost-benefit analysis to assist clients prioritize goals related to behavior change. Clients may feel overwhelmed at the idea of having so many things to accomplish or do, often with little support at home. Agents guide the client through a cost-benefit analysis to assist them prioritize a ‘to-do list.’
Decisional Balance
Probation Agents may work through a decisional balance with clients to recognize the benefits of change when there is strong ambivalence present. This approach allows clients to see the pros and cons of making a change in their own words. Through visual representation and hearing their own positive reasons to make a change, clients are more likely to engage in the behavior change process.
Thinking Reports
Thinking Reports are cognitive behavioral interventions which draw connections between a client’s thoughts and their behavior. Probation Agents assist clients recognize risky thoughts while guiding a transition to prosocial thinking. This form of cognitive restructuring has been proven successful.
Community Service Work Program
Otter Tail County Probation works with adults to complete their court-ordered community service work. Probation Agents refer adults to work sites throughout the county. These work sites have been recruited and are continually monitored. Additional work sites are located throughout the year.
Drug and Alcohol Testing
Otter Tail County Probation provides drug and alcohol testing for clients when ordered by the Court. This random testing may be performed through preliminary breath tests (PBT), urinalysis (UA), oral swabs, sweat patch, and Automated Breathalyzer Kiosk. Blood testing and hair follicle testing may be conducted if specifically ordered by the Court. Probation Agents utilize the risk reduction model, which assists adults learn how to live in the community free of drugs/alcohol.
Electronic Monitoring
Otter Tail County Probation oversees electronic monitoring as ordered by the Court. Electronic Home Monitoring (EHM) may be used for house arrest, Remote Electronic Alcohol Monitoring (REAM) may be used when a client is struggling with alcohol addiction, or Global Positioning System (GPS) may be used when the adult’s behavior warrants additional oversite.
Clients subject to electronic monitoring must pay a per diem fee to the monitoring company prior to the starting date and then weekly thereafter. Otter Tail County Probation received a Remote Electronic Probation Agent monitors the client’s progress and may take a client into custody for alcohol use or non-compliance with the monitor.
Pre-Sentence Investigations
Otter Tail County Probation completes thorough pre-sentence investigations (PSI) and domestic abuse investigations (DAI) when ordered by the Court. This comprehensive report includes background information, employment, education, substance use, leisure, family, mental health, victim input, restitution, and other pertinent information. The report makes recommendations for conditions of probation and is utilized by the Court at disposition.
Contact Us
If you have additional questions related to Adult Probation services, please contact the Otter Tail County Probation.