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Rules of Probation
A Resource for Adults
Overview
Adults with autism who are placed on probation supervision may have a difficult time understanding the rules (conditions) of probation, especially if the rules are vague. This social story will help explain the rules of probation, the role of the probation officer, and what may happen if a rule is broken.
What is Probation?
- If you are found guilty of a crime, you may be put on probation.
- Probation lets you live at home in your community as long as you follow the rules.
- When you are on probation, you have to follow the rules. The rules are a direct order of the court.
What is a Probation Officer?
- You will be assigned a probation officer.
- Your probation officer makes sure you are following the rules like being home on time, going to work, not using drugs or alcohol, and not breaking any laws.
- Your probation officer will tell you what the rules mean.
- If you don’t understand a rule, you should ask your probation officer.
- Your probation officer may check on you at home, at work, or in the community.
- You may have to take random drug tests. This means you will need to provide a urine sample to test if you have used illegal drugs.
What is Community Service?
- You may have to do community service hours.
- Community service is work you 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 you have sensory issues, you should ask your probation officer to think about these before giving you your community service.
What Else Do I Need to Know About Probation?
- You may have to pay money for the crime you committed. This is called restitution. You may also have court costs that you have to pay to the court.
- You may have to go to counseling.
- You will have a specific time that you have to be home. This is called a curfew.
- You could go to jail and have your probation revoked (taken away ) if you do not follow the rules.
- If you follow the rules, the court will decide when you can be released from probation supervision.
This information was developed by the Autism Services, Education, Resources, and Training Collaborative (ASERT). For more information, please contact ASERT at 877-231-4244 or info@PAautism.org. ASERT is funded by the Bureau of Supports for Autism and Special Populations, PA Department of Human Services.