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Juvenile Intensive Probation Supervision is a program designed to divert felony offenders from the Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections (ADJC). Each juvenile placed on JIPS is required to participate in a minimum of 32-hours a week of school, work, treatment or community restitution service. Juveniles are on house arrest and are not permitted to leave their residence without first obtaining permission from their probation officer.
This program was enacted into law in 1987. The intent of this legislation was to allow juveniles who are adjudicated delinquent the opportunity to remain at home under close supervision by the probation department. Probation officers are required to make weekly contact with these juveniles and their families.
Only those juveniles who would otherwise be considered for commitment to the Arizona Department of Corrections, out-of-home placement or those ordered by the Court are screened for the JIPS Program. Factors that the Court considers when placing a youth on JIPS include:
- Nature of the offense
- Prior delinquent offenses
- Family history
- Potential harm to the victim
- School and/or treatment attendance
- Potential for employment
- Ability to pay back restitution
- Family cooperation and support
- Juvenile’s risk/needs score
The Mohave County Probation Department employs JIPS Officers in Kingman, Lake Havasu City and Bullhead City. These caseloads are smaller by statute than standard probation caseloads. Amber Freed, JIPS Supervisor in Mohave County, has oversight responsibility for this program. JIPS is closely monitored by the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) and provides statistical information to the legislature annually.
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