Bridging the Gap between Juvenile Probation Officers and Social Workers

Children, adults and families who work with both social workers and juvenile probation officers are best served when these important service providers work collaboratively toward achieving positive outcomes. With the goal of creating a lasting partnership to best serve those in care, this course examines the similarities and differences between the two roles and explores ways to overcome potential barriers.

After attending this training, participants will be able to:

• Identify at least four similarities and differences between social workers and probation officers
• Identify at least three collaboration strategies that could assist in improving efficiency and communication between social workers and probation officers
• Better understand the Integrated Core Practice Model (ICPM), including its core components and how they relate to collaboration within social work and probation
• Apply approaches to “bridge the gap” that are specific to each participant’s context
• Articulate how improved and increased collaboration will improve the utilization of resources and supervision of the mutual clients between probation officers and social workers

ICPM Category: Teaming