Wards: probation

Youth in these placements, including groups the Legislature identifies as disproportionately girls and youth of color, receive the same probation time limit as other court wards. Courts may extend probation only through a noticed hearing and specified findings.

What the law does ​

• Applies the 12-month probation limit to wards supervised by probation officers in out-of-home placements.
• Allows a court to extend probation after notice, a hearing, and proof that an extension serves the ward’s and public’s best interests.
• Requires the probation agency to explain its extension request and gives the ward and prosecutor a chance to present evidence.
• Requires review hearings at least every six months when probation is extended.
• Lets courts retain jurisdiction solely to complete required transition procedures without imposing probation or other compliance conditions.
• Excludes youth serving commitments in specified custodial settings and youth committed to secure youth treatment facilities from these rules during the commitment and subsequent community probation supervision.

Who it affects ​

• Youth who are juvenile court wards and on probation.
• Youth placed outside their homes under probation-officer supervision.
• Juvenile courts, probation agencies, and prosecuting attorneys.