SANTA ANA, CA – (October 16, 2025) – The Orange County Day Reporting Center (DRC), operated in partnership with the Orange County Probation Department, held a moving graduation ceremony to honor the achievements of over 30 individuals who have successfully completed the center’s comprehensive reentry program. The event celebrated not only personal milestones, but also the powerful role of evidence-based practices in supporting lasting change for justice-involved individuals.
Two Deputy Probation Officers (DPO) were specially recognized for their exceptional support and guidance during a recent graduation ceremony. DPO Tiffani Milstead was honored for her work with eight probationers who successfully completed the program, while DPO Alisha Jackson was acknowledged for her role in guiding six individuals to this significant achievement.
Surrounded by friends, family, staff, and community partners, graduates received certificates while donning graduation cords. Several participants shared emotional testimonies about overcoming barriers like substance use, trauma, housing instability, and unemployment.
“Today’s graduation is more than a ceremony. It’s a reflection of hard work, transformation, and the effectiveness of targeted, evidence-based interventions,” said Division Director of Adult Re-Entry, Connie Schonert.
Evidence-Based Approach Driving Real Outcomes
The Orange County DRC follows the principles of Effective Correctional Intervention, including the Risk-Need-Responsivity (RNR) model. A recent Evidence-Based Practices (EBP) Fidelity Review conducted in February 2025 rated the program with High Adherence across multiple domains such as:
- Assessing Risk and Needs: Participants are evaluated using actuarial tools to ensure individualized case planning.
- Enhancing Intrinsic Motivation: Staff apply Motivational Interviewing techniques (like OARS and DARN-CAT) to foster internal drive for change.
- Engaging Natural Supports: The program connects individuals with mentors, peer networks, and family support to sustain recovery post-program.
- Providing Positive Reinforcement: A structured rewards and sanctions matrix helps encourage pro-social behavior.
- Skill Development: Participants engage in cognitive behavioral groups, trauma-informed programming, and vocational readiness training.
Protecting Communities, Creating Opportunities
The Orange County Probation Department conducts regular operations to safeguard neighborhoods, reduce crime, and promote rehabilitation. Through these efforts, the department balances accountability with second chances. Officers hold probationers accountable for their actions, while also working to connect them with the resources they need to rebuild their lives.
About the Orange County Probation Department
As a public safety agency, the Orange County Probation Department serves the community using effective, research supported rehabilitation practices and collaborative partnerships to successfully resocialize justice involved individuals. The Probation Department is proud to serve the Orange County community. It is dedicated to continuous improvement, searching out and applying “effective and research supported practices” to assist justice involved youth, their families, and adults to successfully navigate and successfully complete probation. Further, the Probation Department assists the criminal court system through investigations, probation reports and community supervision of thousands of adult and juvenile clients on court-ordered probation or in diversion programs. The Department operates the Orange County Juvenile Hall, and two camps for youth. In addition, the Department operates a Youth Reporting Center serving all of Orange County.
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