Organization Description The Yuba County Probation Department's mission is to promote the health and safety of the community through programs of prevention, intervention, treatment and detention services.
Program Information Our Victim Advocates are equipped to offer emotional support, financial links and important information about how the system works. The intent of the Victim Services Program is to reduce the trauma and insensitivity that victims suffer following a crime. Advocates navigate victims through the legal system, directing them to agencies and organizations that offer assistance and emergency services. Our program has an in-house treatment component staffed by Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists and Interns who can provide free therapy to all crime victims. One of two counties that are Probation Based, Court Accompaniment, Prosecution Meeting Accompaniment, VCB Application Processing, Restraining Orders, Therapy/Counseling, Multi-Disciplinary Interview Center (MDIC), Sexual Assault Response Team (SART)
Other County Support/Response. The role of the Advocate is to be that emotional first responder when individuals and families suffer some of the most horrific trauma in one's life. That first contact could be in the most desperate times and when an advocate is needed the most.
Attend and accompany the victim to forensic medical examinations and interviews. These exams are intrusive and sometimes make a victim feels violated all over again. Accompany the victims and family members to court proceedings, meetings with the DA’s office, and investigative interviews. A court proceeding is where you will come face to face with the criminal who hurt you. A meeting with the prosecuting attorney or law enforcement investigator will bring back those thoughts and feelings of the criminal act. Your advocate will be there with you or go for you if allowed.
The student intern should be flexible and ready for a planned day to change at any moment. Crisis intervention is a common strategy used by our agency which means you could be on a sidewalk or front yard providing emotional first aid.