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Department Philosophy:
Nothing and No One is Unchangeable.
Unknown

 It is never too late to be who you might have been.
George Eliot, English Novelist (1819-1880)

Purpose:
“The Bill of Rights of the Constitution of the State of Illinois, at Article I, Section II, states:  ‘All penalties shall be determined both according to the seriousness of the offense and with the objective of restoring the offender to useful citizenship.’  Consistent with the constitutional concept of ‘restorative justice’, Illinois law (730 ILCS 5/5-6-1) requires a presumption of probation in the consideration of sentencing of choice in Illinois, probation is a cost-effective alternative to imprisonment that can serve the ends of justice, provide for the safety of society, and restore offenders to useful, productive lives.” 
(Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts)

Mission:
“The mission of Illinois probation departments is to provide the circuit courts with a comprehensive system of quality programs and services which are responsible to constitutional and statutory requirements, and which reflect judicial priorities and community needs.” 
(Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts)

 

Henry County’s Mission Statement:
The mission of Henry County Court Services is to enhance our organization’s capacity for adaptability, accountability and collaborative relationships with public safety and community partners and employ effective programs and interventions whenever achievable to better reduce offender recidivism. 

Probation is premised upon the following beliefs:

Society has a right to be protected from persons who cause its members harm, regardless of the reasons for such harm. It is the right of every citizen to be free from fear of harm to person and property. Belief in the necessity of law to an orderly society demands commitment to support it. Probation accepts this responsibility and views itself as an instrument for both control and treatment appropriate to some, but not all, offenders. The wise use of authority derived from law adds strength and stability to its efforts.

Offenders have rights deserving of protection. Freedom and democracy require fair and individualized due process of law in adjudicating and sentencing the offender.

Victims of crime have rights deserving of protection. In its humanitarian tradition, probation recognizes that prosecution of the offender is but a part of the responsibility of the criminal justice system. The victim of criminal activity may suffer loss of property, emotional problems, or physical disability. Probation thus commits itself to advocacy for the needs and interests of crime victims.

Human beings are capable of change. Belief in the individual's capability for behavioral change leads probation practitioners to a commitment to the reintegration of the offender into the community. The possibility for constructive change of behavior is based on the recognition and acceptance of the principal of individual responsibility. Much of probation practice focuses on identifying and making available those services and programs that will best afford offenders an opportunity to become responsible, law-abiding citizens.

Not all offenders have the same capacity or willingness to benefit from measures designed to produce law-abiding citizens. Probation practitioners recognize the variations among individuals. The present offense, the degree of risk to the community and the potential for change can be assessed only in the context of the offender's individual history and experience.

Intervention in an offender's life should be the minimal amount needed to protect society and promote law-abiding behavior. Probation subscribes to the principal of intervening in an offender's life only to the extent necessary. Where further intervention appears unwarranted, criminal justice system involvement should be terminated. Where needed intervention can best be provided by an agency outside the system, the offender should be diverted from the system to that agency.

Punishment. Probation philosophy does not accept the concept of retributive punishment. Punishment as a corrective measure is supported and used in those instances in which it is felt that aversive measures may positively alter the offender's behavior when other measures may not. Even corrective punishment, however, should be used cautiously and judiciously in view of its highly unpredictable impact. It can be recognized that a conditional sentence in the community is, in and of itself, a punishment. It is less harsh and drastic than a prison term but more controlling and punitive than release without supervision.

Incarceration may be destructive and should be imposed only when necessary. Probation practitioners acknowledge society's' right to protect itself and support the incarceration of offenders whose behavior constitutes a danger to the public through rejection of social or court mandates. Incarceration can also be an appropriate element of a probation program to emphasize the consequences of criminal behavior and thus effect constructive behavioral change. However, institutions should be humane and required to adhere to the highest standards.

Where public safety is not compromised, society and most offenders are best served through community correctional programs. Most offenders should be provided services within the community in which they are expected to demonstrate acceptable behavior. Community correctional programs generally are cost-effective and they allow offenders to remain with their families while paying taxes and, where applicable, restitution to victims.

Core Values:
Public Safety/ Risk Reduction

Offender Accountability

Victim and Community Restoration

Community Partnerships

Effective Assessment and Intervention Strategies

Recognition and Respect  for Diversity

Ethical, Professional Conduct

Staff/Organizational Development