Probation-to-Work Program Unveiled

Los Angeles County officials unveiled a new program Thursday designed to help youth and adult probationers make the transition into the work force.

The probation-to-work pilot program brings together law enforcement agencies, job training programs, organized labor and employers to give probationers from the northeast San Fernando Valley the skills they need to become gainfully employed, officials said.

“The best weapon against crime is a good job,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, who announced the program during an afternoon news conference at the Barry J. Nidorf Juvenile Hall. “With this pilot program, we want to offer these clients a chance to receive the training, skills, support and quality opportunities to break the cycle of crime.”

In addition to learning to earn a living to care from themselves and their families, Yaroslavsky said the program will also provide probationers with a means to pay restitution to their victims.

Yaroslavsky said that in the first six months, the program would assist some 100 unemployed and underemployed probationers.

Services will be provided through job training centers at Mission College, El Proyecto del Barrio and the International Assn. of Theatrical and Stage Employees, Local 33, Yaroslavsky said. The trainees will remain under the supervision of probation officers.

“Given an opportunity, these young people will shine,” Yaroslavsky said. “We shouldn’t turn our backs on a population because we think they can’t make it. We are going to show that we can turn them around.”

Joining Yaroslavsky in making the announcement were the county’s Chief Probation Officer Richard Shumsky, county Department of Community and Senior Services Director Kenneth Kessler and representatives from community organizations.