Scenario
You were recently hired as a Juvenile Probation Officer for your state corrections department. After you
complete
your training period, your supervisor, Phil Scott, gives you your first solo case. Your first case
provides
details of the youth in question, the incident, as well as some additional information. The case
report states the incident involves a 16-year-old individual, Adam Decker, who has a previous record
involving a larceny charge when he was 14 years old. The previous incident was diverted due to Mr.
Decker
successfully completing a term of probation.
The current incident reveals that local law enforcement received a report of a suspicious vehicle, full of
teenagers
, parked near the local athletic field. As the officer pulled up to the vehicle, it sped off. The
officer chased
after the vehicle, to which it soon lost control and spun around while making a turn at a
high rate of speed. Driving the car was Mr. Decker, who had three other teenagers in the car ranging
from 15-17 years of age. As the law enforcement officer approached the vehicle, he saw Mr. Decker
hide something
under his car seat. When the officer arrived at the car, it smelled of marijuana. Although
there was nothing visible, the smell alone allowed the officer reasonable suspicion to search the car. The
officer
ordered Mr. Decker to get out of the vehicle. Upon opening his door, the officer looked down to
see a large rolled-up zip lock bag with what appeared to be marijuana hastily stuffed under the side of
the car seat. The officer seized the marijuana (6 oz/170 gm) and charged Mr. Decker with a
misdemeanor, speeding to elude arrest, possession of a Schedule I drug (considered a Class A
misdemeanor crime based on the amount possessed), impaired driving, and driving by a person under
age 21 after consuming
drugs. The court, through petition, has recommended probation for Mr. Decker.
On your first visit to the home of Mr. Decker, you meet with him and his parents. You introduce
yourself, discuss the ground rules as provided by the court (announced and unannounced visits, random
drug tests, etc.), and set your expectations. While meeting with them, you learn a couple of other issues
you will need to add to your report. You discover that Mr. Decker also struggles in school with poor
attendance and
behavioral issues. Mr. Decker has a diagnosis of ADHD.
You will have to complete, starting with a professional email and culminating with a letter to your
supervisor, Phil Scott, your recommendations on explanations, theories, and other possible community-
based programs for Mr. Decker and any additional support he may need.
Directions
Based on the information from the scenario, you will create an email, a memo, and a report, and then
write a final letter for your supervisor of your findings. First, in your email, your supervisor, Phil Scott,
wants to ensure you are familiar with the corrections personnel. Discuss and review the professionals
you will encounter, their responsibilities, and their impact on your case. Secondly, you will create a
memo outlining different types of social risk factors for health and behavior problems, as well as
providing at least one explanation. Thirdly you will write a report to your supervisor outlining
dispositional alternatives for juveniles, in general, and Mr. Decker, specifically if he is unable to turn his
life around. Finally, you will write a professional letter that will end with your recommendation as to
which alternative, considering both institutional and residential options, should be considered as viable
options for Mr. Decker.