During the probationary period, the probation officer maintains contact with the offender to ensure compliance and provides rehabilitative assistance, such as finding housing, employment, counseling and social services. The probation officer is responsible for achieving both major goals of corrections – protection of the public and rehabilitation of the offender.

Trailblazers

Potter County Trailblazers program was established by former Potter County Chief Probation Officer Gary A. Buchanan under the direction of the late Judge Perry S. Patterson. In its initial phase, Trailblazers was designed to maintain a portion of the Susquehannock Trail System. Trailblazers was developed under the Pennsylvania Juvenile Act, wherein a court is authorized to direct the participation of a juvenile in a program of service or education where the delinquent is paid at least minimum wage and must pay up to 75% of earnings toward restitution. Trailblazers was formulated in conjunction with the Potter County Office of Children and Youth Services. Juveniles determined to be delinquent and dependent, and considered to be in an at risk situation, are afforded the opportunity or are directed to participate.

It was the initial intent of the Trailblazers program to:

• Provide youthful offenders an opportunity to fulfill at least a portion of the financial and/or community service obligation.
• Assist the Bureau of Forestry and Susquehannock Trail Club with a limited labor force.
• Afford youths opportunity to develop a positive work ethic while reducing idle hours.
• Allow the youth an opportunity to foster a relationship with a youthful positive role model.

These original goals have since merged with the Balanced and Restorative Justice principles adopted by the Pennsylvania Juvenile Court Judge Commission, which provide for:

• Protection of community
• Imposition of accountability for offenses committed
• Development of competencies to encourage the youth to become a responsible, productive member of the community

In addition to court-ordered youths, referrals are received from the Probation Department, Office of Children, Youth and Families, school districts, law enforcement agencies and other agencies.

Since its inception the scope of services performed by the Trailblazers has expanded to park maintenance, care and construction, and maintenance of nature and education trails developed by school districts. The crews have undertaken responsibility for the beautification of the “welcome” signs along highways and participation in construction of wildlife and fisheries habitat.