Orange County honors 115 years of Probation Department; chief outlines youth programs and a new treatment facility plan

The Orange County Board of Supervisors on April 9 celebrated the Probation Department’s 115th year of service and thanked current and past leaders. Speakers described the department’s founding, milestone chiefs and the department’s evolving role in rehabilitation and community safety.

Chief Probation Officer Daniel Hernandez and board members emphasized the department’s emphasis on rehabilitation and workforce diversity. Hernandez cited departmental history and noted that more than 50 percent of employees and half of his executive team are women. He described a range of programs for justice‑involved youth, including education, on-site job training (an on-site automotive repair program) and mobile outreach that the department uses to support reentry and reduce recidivism.

Supervisors praised probation staff and described plans for an upcoming youth treatment facility intended to provide housing for transitional-age youth leaving custody, along with supportive services and programming to help them re-enter the community.

The board presented recognition and thanks to department leadership and staff for long-term contributions to public safety and rehabilitation in Orange County.