Vice Chair Terra Lawson-Remer and Chairwoman Nora Vargas today secured support for their policy to examine ways to enhance San Diego County Probation Department staff wellness and mental health. Taking this action will help ensure probation officers are in the best position to support people on probation, help them not to re-offend, and become productive residents of the county.  

“This study will be an essential step in ensuring that our agents of public safety are equipped with the necessary resources, support, and organizational conditions to fulfill their duties effectively,” said Supervisor Lawson-Remer. “This will identify information to help us strengthen the department and uplift the morale of our dedicated public servants. When our team members feel valued and seen it helps to improve the way they support the rehabilitation of justice-involved individuals.”

“Prioritizing the mental health and well-being of our probation department is critical,” said Chairwoman Vargas. “The enactment of SB 823 has significantly increased workloads and impacted our probation system, and this initiative is a strategic investment to ensure that our probation department has the health, training, and support it requires to provide and deliver the restorative justices that we value in the County of San Diego. This initiative will support probation staff, enhance our probation system, and strengthen the County’s ability to recruit and retain the workforce required for excellence in probation and restorative justice.”

County staff will have 180 days to return to the Board of Supervisors with recommendations. 

Review this link to the entire policy.