This policy is issued under authority granted to the Chief Probation Officer.

The Probation Department maintains referral lists of private treatment providers who desire to work with probationers who are in need of therapeutic services. The placement of the treatment provider's name on a referral list maintained by the Department, requires due diligence in confirming that the treatment provider is appropriately licensed and in good standing within their professional community.

This policy applies to the Chief Deputy and/or his/her designee who is responsible for the evaluation and qualification verification of potential treatment providers wishing to enter into a contractual relationship, and/or be placed on a departmentally authorized referral list.

When a member of the Department enters into a contractual relationship with a treatment provider, or simply adds a treatment provider's name to a referral list, the Department has made a defacto endorsement of the provider, and the implied message is that the provider is qualified and suitable to provide their respective service.  This policy provides direction for the vetting of providers who are interested in providing therapeutic services to individuals under the jurisdiction of the Probation Department.

While the Probation Department does not endorse or recommend specific treatment providers, we are responsible for maintaining a referral list of competent and licensed treatment providers, which will be maintained and reviewed annually by the Chief Probation Officer’s designee.  In addition, this process shall also be utilized prior to finalizing fiduciary contracts with treatment providers.

The Probation Department shall verify that the treatment provider is adequately licensed and in good standing prior to contracting for their services or placing them on a referral list.  This verification shall include:

1. A check with the appropriate State licensing authority to confirm that the individual’s license is active and current.
2. A check with the appropriate State licensing authority to determine the existence and nature of any complaints, ethical violations, investigations, etc.
3. At least two letters of reference, both from non-familial parties who can speak specifically to the treatment provider’s professional qualifications, efficacy as a practitioner, and their reputation as a professional of high ethical standards;
4. Confirmation of appropriate insurance.
5. The check-list, letters of reference, and insurance and license confirmation shall be retained by the executive assistant to the Chief Probation Officer.

This policy will remain in effect until superseded or suspended in writing by the Chief Probation Officer and can be reviewed as needed.