MEET KRISTEN: PROBATION & PAROLE VOLUNTEER
As a volunteer with the Adult Services Division Gang Unit, Kristen feels her contribution to the Department of Community Justice (DCJ) has been very valuable. With a 14 year background in social work and a Criminal Justice degree, Kristen’s support has been both an affirmation of her experience, and an opportunity for greater understanding.
When asked about her initial impressions of DCJ and the staff, she notes that “they (Probation and Parole Officers) have high caseloads, and are much busier than people think.” Which is why she knows the importance of her role as a volunteer. “Anything that anyone can do to help is a relief for the staff,” Kristen adds.
While Kristen’s friends and family would jokingly say she is crazy for stepping in to this field, she wants people to know that there are many misconceptions about her volunteer work and what officers are doing each day. “People think PO’s have a lot of time, and look for offenders to mess up. DCJ’s PO’s work with offenders who have made bad judgments and provide tools to help them become better citizens.” She stated that in the past she felt there was a black and white line drawn between social work and probation or parole, but now it appears that there is a meeting between the two. “Yes, I can give you jail time, but I can also refer you to a community program to get additional help.” Kristen sees this as a positive change.
When asked what she enjoys about volunteering, Kristen says “I like learning how people communicate with each other, or how the offenders treat the people who are helping them - their interactions.’’ Kristen also likes digging for more information and being thorough with her projects, making complex situations or problems easier to understand.
Outside of volunteering, Kristen enjoys participating in her child’s life, who is heavily involved in football and spending time with her cats and family. “I’m sort of a homebody.” Kristen says, which she feels contributes to one of her greatest strengths, being laid back and flexible. Her recommendation for people thinking of volunteering? ‘’Just go for it!”