The topic of probation and its origins is rather long. That is to say, like other government agencies,
there have been many changes over the years. c I will focus on the very origin of the service and how it
applies to human services. This is an interesting timeline. c
Massachusetts passed its first probation law in 1878. The first federal probation officer, Richard
McSweeney, was appointed in the district of Massachusetts. c But it was not until 1925 that it became a
law by Congress, signed by President Calvin Coolidge, for a probation system in federal courts
(except in the District of Columbia). c There was much discussion over the years on who was going to
be responsible for these probationers. However, in 1982, President Ronald Regan signed the Pretrial
Services Act. This changed the responsibility from different districts to every federal judicial district
(except the District of Columbia). Now officers were involved with the prisoner from the time of
arrest until he or she completed community supervision. c
To incorporate human services into the probation department, there had to be sanctions imposed on
those involved in the system. c In 2000, the Judicial Conference of the United States had to implement
a zero-tolerance policy on drugs for all those involved, including officers. This, unfortunately, made
the recidivism rate skyrocket. c In 1978 Congress gave the Director of the Administrative Office of the
U.S. Courts the ability to connect with drug and aftercare services for those who are in need of such
services. This is where I would like to be involved. c After conviction, probationers need the support of
someone who can help them not to relapse and become a productive member of society. c
Serving the City of Fredericksburg and the counties of Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, and
Stafford, Virginia
At RACSB, we are committed to helping community members lead the best lives possible. We help
babies speak their first words and adults with severe mental illness take their first steps back into the
community. Whether you have a brief bout of depression, a debilitating mental illness, or a crippling
addiction, we have outpatient services to help. We offer top-notch care for adults with developmental
disability and their families. We have proudly served the Fredericksburg community since 1970 and
are here to help.
This company was started soon after the Virginia General Assembly passed a law allowing local
governments to create agencies to help individuals with mental illnesses and developmental
disabilities. The agencies called themselves Community Mental Health and Mental Retardation
Services Board. They were also known as "Chapter 10 Boards" This agency started in 1970 with ten
employees.
The board then expanded by offering day support services. It was one of the first to provide early
intervention for babies’ years before other programs started offering services in Virginia.
In 1977 they changed the organization's name to Rappahannock Area Community Services Board. It
did this because this reflected the agency's support of alcohol and drug prevention programs that were
added.
For the next four decades, RACSB opened clinics, day supports, and programs to support teen mothers
struggling with addictions. Racsb was also instrumental in establishing the Rappahannock Drug
Treatment Court. The court was the first in the nation, and it was the first to treat juveniles. The
agency has successfully trained first responders to handle mental health crises in the area, and this
training is ongoing. RACSB also established a crisis assessment center at Mary Washington Hospital.
This training helps law enforcement deal with emergency custody orders for persons in a mental
health crisis. The agency went further with its dedication to serving the community and started a crisis
stabilization program for people with mental illness and substance abuse issues. The most recent
program Racsb started was a medication-assisted program for the growing opioid crisis. RACSB is an
excellent asset in the community. It stays current with training and provides information on real-life
issues in our community. They are innovative and constantly seek ways to expand and serve the
community. The agency has certainly kept up with the changes in the Human Services field.
" RACSB is committed to continuing to serve communities by solving problems helping area
residents, and servicing the most vulnerable population."
United Way of Suwannee Valley, Inc, a nonprofit social service organization serving Lake City,
Florida, and its surrounding areas. The United Way of Suwannee Valley began in 1968 as a way to
meet the needs of the Lake City/Columbia County community. Lake City-Columbia County United
Fund, Inc. was incorporated on October 10, 1968, primarily to support eight Lake City/Columbia
County agencies. To recognize the addition of Hamilton and Lafayette counties to its service area, the
organization changed its name on January 13, 1992, to Suwannee Valley United Way, Inc. On May 1,
1994, the new revised and current name United Way of Suwannee Valley, Inc became effective.
Currently, United Way of Suwannee Valley serves Columbia, Suwannee, Hamilton, and Lafayette
counties with an ambitious goal of supporting 16 agencies. Even though United Way of Suwannee
Valley depends on the generosity of local businesses and community members for its growth, the
continued charity of citizens and companies will ensure that United Way of Suwannee Valley
continues to grow and flourish as an organization dedicated to community advancement. As a result, it
works closely with community-based partners that share a common goal: strengthening communities
and improving lives. In addition, the United Way of Suwannee Valley prioritizes advancing health,
education, and financial stability (United Way of Suwannee Valley, 2022).
The Mission Statement reads, "United Way of Suwannee Valley unites individuals and resources to
build a stronger, healthier, and more compassionate community" (United Way of Suwannee Valley,
2022).
According to The United Way of Florida's "History and accomplishments," The United Way first
appeared in the Sunshine State during the 1920s. The organization began small, but with the assistance
of diligent volunteers and professional staff, it became a powerful force for good in its communities,
raising $202 million during the 2006-07 campaign (James, 2007).
In Florida, local organizations collaborate to mobilize resources and leadership by joining their forces
in the United Way of Florida state association. With the progress of this transition, it is evident that
United Ways are fundamental to community well-being. As a networking vehicle for United Way
executives, UWF has expanded its role beyond providing that valuable service to become a state
capitol advocacy voice for Florida's United Ways and a training center for United Way staff and
volunteers. By doing so, they guarantee to be the most effective and efficient change agent in the
community, helping to improve human services for all Florida residents. A critical public policy
stance of the United Way of Florida in the 90s focused its attention on three areas of fundamental
importance. Training, public policy, and the Florida State Employees' Charitable Campaign are all
aspects of Florida's United Ways. As of today, those three priorities remain the organization's focus.
Among its achievements are Florida's Volunteer Immunity Act, the Nonprofit Officers, Directors
Liability Act, the Revenue Maximization legislation, and the 2-1-1 Network legislation. Further,
drafting and passing legislation relating to Healthy Families Florida, school readiness, the Gold Seal
childcare program, and Florida KidCare (James, 2007).
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation awarded $1 million to ten counties in northeast Florida to
facilitate Life Act 2, a program that enhances seniors' independence and quality of life. In the
aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, an individual donor raised the first $1 million of a national relief fund,
coordinating housing and relief efforts for over 2700 evacuees in north Florida and establishing the
largest 2-1-1 service in the state. Those efforts were made possible mainly by the Suwannee Valley
Community Foundation, which was created in 2002 by the Suwannee Valley United Way. A grant
was awarded in 2004 to establish the Food Bank of Suwannee Valley, which switched to Catholic
Charities in 2006. Soon after, plans emerged for an internal volunteer center in 2007, leading to a
Suwannee Valley Community Organization Active in Disaster (COAD) response center. The United
Way of Suwannee Valley Inc., with a 100% charity score and a Four Star out of Four Stars rating on
assessing the charity's accountability and financial health (James, 2007), the United Way of Suwannee
Valley Inc., serves these communities with excellence.
James, T. (2007). Caring Matters in Paradise. United Way, 1-16.
United Way of Suwannee Valley. (2022, November 5). Retrieved from United
Way: unitedwaywsv.org
https://rappahannockareacsb.org/
www.uscourts.gov/services-forms/probation-and-pretrial-services/probation-and-pretrial-services-
history
