These social stories were created by ASERT to describe the various aspects and rules of juvenile probation.
If I am found guilty of a crime, I may be put on probation.
Probation lets me live at home in my community as long as I follow the rules.
When I am on probation, I will have to follow the rules.
The rules are a direct order of the court.
I will be assigned a probation officer.
My probation officer makes sure I am following the rules like being home on time, going to work, not using drugs or alcohol, and not breaking any laws.
My probation officer will tell me what the rules mean.
If I don't understand a rule, I should ask my probation officer.
My probation officer may check on me at home, work, or in the community.
I may have to take a random drug test.
I may have to do community service hours.
Community service is work I do for the community without getting paid. Examples could be a local homeless shelter, cleaning up a park, or working at an animal shelter.
If I have sensory issues, I should ask my probation officer to think about these before giving me my community service.
I may have to pay money for the crime I committed. This is called restitution.
I may also have court costs that I have to pay to the court. I may have to go to counseling.
I will have a specific time that I have to be home. This is called a curfew.
I could go to jail and have my probation revoked (taken away) if I do not follow the rules.
If I follow the rules, the court will decide when I can be released from probation supervision.