Evidence-Based Practices

Otter Tail County Probation uses interactive, offense-specific online educational and intervention courses through 3rd Millennium Classrooms to positively impact behavior. Juveniles may complete the programming at any time from any location, effectively reducing the barrier of transportation. Completing interactive programming from home allows juveniles to absorb the factual information without the negative influence of their peers.

Otter Tail County Probation utilizes a variety of cognitive behavioral interventions in working with their clients. Carey Guides assist clients recognize the personal and environmental factors that contribute to their antisocial behavior. Probation Agents may then assist the client in learning prosocial behavior to guide long-term behavior change

Otter Tail County Probation utilizes case plans to provide a roadmap to success for their clients. Case planning involves analyzing clients’ problems, establishing goals to address these problems, assigning priorities to these goals, and designing action steps to reach these goals within a given time frame in collaboration with the client.

Otter Tail County Probation utilizes a plethora of cognitive behavioral interventions in working with clients. Carey Guides, thinking reports, cost-benefit analysis, and decisional balance are a few examples of the specific tools Probation Agents may utilize. Through cognitive restructuring, clients learn how to assess their own behavior and make positive changes where needed.

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.

Otter Tail County Probation makes referrals to several community programs which may best serve the needs of a client. These community programs should follow evidence-based practices and be responsive to each client. Probation Agents continuously assess the effectiveness of each program to guide future referrals.

Otter Tail County Probation, in partnership with the University of Minnesota Extension Office, facilitates an Independent Living Skills Program for juveniles. This eight-week course offered during the summer teaches valuable life skills in a comfortable setting.

Otter Tail County Probation facilitates a Life Management Program for all clients participating in Treatment Court. This cognitive-behavioral program assists clients learn valuable skills which will be needed as they continue transition to less supervision and more independence. Clients learn how their thoughts impact their actions, and how to best respond to stressful situations.

Otter Tail County Probation is trained in the use of Motivational Interviewing. Motivational Interviewing is a person-centered form of communication. From setting expectations, explaining our dual role, allowing autonomy, developing discrepancy, rolling with resistance, affirming, and planning next steps, this foundational communication style provides the highway to guiding long-term behavior change.

Otter Tail County Probation strives to connect clients with programs and services which best meet the need of each individual client. This may include cultural, gender, religious, physical, mental, and emotional needs.

Otter Tail County Probation, in collaboration with Otter Tail County Human Services, contracts with Solutions Behavioral Healthcare to offer Strong Teens. Strong Teens is a 12-week course designed to teach social and emotional skills, promote resilience, strengthen assets, and increase coping skills. The program is aimed at both prevention and early intervention for at-risk youth.

Otter Tail County Probation utilizes a variety of cognitive behavioral interventions with clients. Thinking Reports assist clients identify their risky thoughts and feelings before they engaged in anti-social behavior. They learn which thoughts and feelings lead them down the wrong path while recognizing how thoughts precede action. Clients learn how to correct their cognitive distortions and engage in pro-social behavior.

Otter Tail County Probation utilizes validated risk assessments to best organize their caseloads. Clients assessed as high risk need the most support and accountability, whereas clients assessed as low risk need the least intervention. Over supervising a low-risk client may inadvertently increase their likelihood to reoffend.