Parenting Programs Led by Probation Officers: A Path to Positive Change
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SESSION INFO

Tuesday, March 3, 2026
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Session Type: Workshop
This workshop will explore the benefits of in-house parenting classes led by Probation Officers to improve accountability and effectiveness in supporting families, and how to implement it in your own department. The training program focuses on equipping parents of difficult or out-of-control children with practical techniques for positive change. We will examine the outcomes for youth whose parents completed the program, highlighting improved results. Additionally, the class is offered in both English and Spanish to ensure accessibility for our diverse community. The program serves as a preventive measure for families at risk of entering the justice system, supports those already court-involved, and offers ongoing assistance for lasting success.

SESSION PRESENTERS
Ms Desiree Johnson
Deputy Probation Officer II, Marin County Probation


Desiree Johnson has served as a Deputy Probation Officer with the Marin Probation Department for six years. During her tenure, she has managed both juvenile supervision and juvenile placement caseloads. Since 2020, Desiree has specialized in working with placement foster care youth, collaborating extensively with both youth in Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Programs (STRTPs) and local Resource Family Agencies (RFAs). As a certified Parent Project facilitator, she is deeply committed to supporting youth in the justice system by connecting them with essential services and resources, empowering them to pursue self-driven transformation and growth.

Yuliana Valenzuela
Senior Deputy Probation Officer, Marin County Probation


Yuliana Valenzuela has served as a Deputy Probation Officer with the Marin County Probation Department for 19 years. Throughout her career, she has held various roles, including Juvenile Correctional Officer, and has gained experience across all three units of the juvenile probation division: intake, community supervision, and placement. Currently, Yuliana is a certified Parent Project facilitator, offering classes in both English and Spanish. She has witnessed firsthand the positive impact of these classes on the families served, further reinforcing her dedication to supporting youth and families within the justice system.