• Adult and Pretrial Services General Supervision FAQs

    • What is probation? When convicted of a crime, the law says you will be punished by serving time in prison for felony offenses or in the county jail for misdemeanor offenses...

  • Alternatives to Detention (Home Supervision, House Arrest, Electronic Monitoring) FAQs

    • What is Home Supervision (HS)? Home Supervision is the least restrictive response to a probation violation and not considered secure custody time..

  • Assessment Center FAQs

    •  How does the Assessment Center determine what will happen with my child? A Deputy Probation Officer from the Assessment Center will schedule a meeting with you and your child to discus... 

  • Community Care Program FAQs

    • The Court said my child has to be in the Community Care Program.  What does this mean? Sometimes the Court decides that your child could benefit from doing service projects in the community.

  • Court Investigations Unit FAQs

    • Who is doing the investigation on my case? The assigned Deputy Probation Officer to your case will contact you either by mail or telephone...

  • Domestic Violence FAQs

    • How do I sign up for domestic violence counseling? If you have already been sentenced, you should have been given a paper that has all of the programs approved in San Mateo County...

  • Drug Court FAQs

    • How is a referral made to Drug Court? Perspective participants are referred to the program, typically at the arraignment phase of the court process.  The case is transferred to the Drug Court cal...

  • Family Preservation Program (FPP) FAQs

    • How soon after my child is placed in FPP will s/he meet with the Deputy Probation Officer? The orders are normally received by the Deputy Probation Officer within 5 working days.... 

  • Gaining Independence Reclaiming Lives Successfully (G.I.R.L.S.) FAQs

    • What is the Girls Gaining Independence and Reclaiming Lives Successfully (G.I.R.L.S.) Program? The G.I.R.L.S.... 

  • General Field Supervision FAQs

    • What can I expect from General Supervision? Most children placed on probation are assigned to a general field supervision caseload....

  • Intensive Supervision FAQs

    • What does it mean for my child to be on Intensive Supervision? If your child is on Intensive Supervision, it is likely that the crime they committed was very serious, we have information that they are... 

  • Investigations Unit FAQs

    • What do I need to bring to my first appointment with Probation? You will be asked to report to the Probation Department right after your first court date...

  • Juvenile Services FAQs

    • My child was arrested, what happens now? The police report will be forwarded to the Probation Department...

  • Military Diversion FAQs

    • Do I have to be eligible for VA benefits? No.  Participants who are not eligible for VA benefits will be encouraged to apply for health insurance such as Medi-Cal or use their private insurance.

  • Out-of-Home Placement FAQs

    • How long will my child be placed out of the home? There is no set time that a child will be in out-of-home placement.... 

  • Parenting Classes FAQs

    • What are parenting classes, and why do I have to attend? Parenting classes are either Court ordered or recommended by the Deputy Probation Officer.... 

  • Pathways FAQs

    • What is the referral process for Pathways? The DPOs assigned to Pathways receive applicant referrals in many ways.  The referral process serves to inform the defendant’s attorney that a ref...

  • Pretrial Services FAQs

    • What is Pretrial Services? Pretrial Services provides the court with pertinent background information on defendants in custody and accused of a law violation.... 

  • Sealing of Juvenile Records FAQs

    • Why have a Juvenile Record sealed? To insure that adults will not be adversely impacted by their juvenile criminal history. How long does it take to seal a Juvenile Record? That depends on a number of... 

  • Treatment Services FAQs

    • Deferred Entry of Judgement What is Deferred Entry of Judgment (DEJ)? The Deferred Entry of Judgment Adult Drug Court program places defendants, who are appropriate candidates, on a minimum of 18 mont...

  • Veterans Treatment Court FAQs

    • Veterans Treatment Court (VTC) programming is approximately 12—24 months long based on committed offenses and case specifics. What is VTC Supervised Own Recognizance (SOR) When a Veteran is bein...

  • Youth Services Center FAQs

    • What is the day like at the Youth Services Center? The Probation Department follows state laws and regulations about youth rights and facility conditions.  Youth in detention attend school and sp...