Strength Unit

About the Program

Category: Children and Youth (Best in Category)

Year: 2023

Youth coming before the Court are initially assessed by Probation Officers and identified as victims of sex trafficking using the Sex Trafficking Screening Tool. In April 2021, Maricopa County Juvenile Probation Department (MCJPD) created a specialized Strength Probation Officer position to support youth who are suspected/identified victims of sex trafficking. In August 2022, due to the increasing number of identified trafficking victims, a specialized probation supervision unit was formed. The Strength unit consists of three Probation Officers and one Surveillance Officer. The Strength unit supervises the identified youth throughout the duration of their probation term, regardless of their placement within the state of Arizona. The Strength unit uses trauma-informed approaches and interventions with the youth to provide improved outcomes on the case. The continuity of care and core collaborators within Probation, Child Welfare, and the Court enable the teams to work collaboratively in meeting the identified needs of the youth.