Merced County Probation

We are proud to showcase the incredible talent of the youth from the Iris Garrett Juvenile Justice Correctional Complex! 🎨💐

During a recent Paint Night, these youth artists created beautiful ‘Mother’s Day Bouquet’ artwork that are now proudly displayed in the front lobby of the Merced County District Attorney’s Office.

This artwork represents more than just a paint on canvas – it reflects creativity, growth, and the positive impact of providing meaningful opportunities for self-expression.

Be sure to stop by and take a look at these inspiring pieces on display! 💐💫✨

Every other Saturday, youth at the Iris Garrett Juvenile Justice Correctional Complex participate in the Cactus Flower Art Program, a creative space led by a local artist who volunteers their time and talent to work with our young people.

Through hands-on instruction, youth learn a variety of painting techniques—blending, shading, composition, and more—while exploring new ways to express themselves.

This bi-weekly program gives youth an opportunity to build confidence, discover new skills, and experience the joy of creating something all their own. At the conclusion of this extended cohort, the youth’s art will be put on display at one of our local art galleries.

The youth are currently working on a new sign to place on the front side of the facility.

We’re grateful for our community partners who help make programs like this possible. 💛

🐔🥚 Juvenile Hall Youth Prepare for New Feathered Friends! 🥚🐔

Our Juvenile Hall Chicken Coop Program continues to provide youth with hands-on opportunities to learn responsibility, teamwork, and animal care through daily stewardship of our growing flock.

One of our coops has been home to three hens, and this past weekend our youth worked hard to prepare a second coop for the arrival of ten new hens. Their efforts included securing wiring, repairing the coop door, removing weeds, thoroughly cleaning the hen house, and providing fresh bedding, feed, and water to ensure a safe and welcoming environment.

We're happy to report that our ten newest additions have adjusted nicely to their new home!

The youth play an active role in caring for the hens by checking on them twice daily, collecting eggs, and cleaning both coops twice each week. Through this program, they gain valuable experience in responsibility, routine care, and teamwork while contributing to a meaningful project.

An added benefit of their hard work is the fresh eggs collected from the coops, which are used in the youth's special food programs, allowing them to enjoy the rewards of their dedication firsthand.

Some youth also took the opportunity while outside, to spray down our facility garden, giving our growing flowers and food some much needed hydration now that the heat has arrived.

We are proud of the commitment and care our youth continue to demonstrate through this enriching program. 🌱🐓💛

To encourage positive growth and personal responsibility, the Iris Garrett Juvenile Justice Correctional Complex recognizes our youth in custody who consistently demonstrate good behavior. Each month, individuals who meet specific goals—such as respectful conduct, participation in programs, and accountability—are acknowledged through meaningful rewards. One of these rewards is a monthly Food Fest. This initiative reinforces positive choices, supports a rehabilitative, goal-oriented environment, and allows time for our youth to positively interact with program staff.

The Food Fest includes an entrée, side dish, dessert, and beverage. These meals can be store bought, restaurant purchased or freshly made at the facility by our Program Staff.

Recently our youth enjoyed a Food Fest meal of their choice which consisted of a Philly Cheesesteak sandwich, chips, soda, and for dessert Banana Cream Pudding Cake topped with Vanilla Ice Cream, Whip Cream and drizzled with Caramel syrup.

📚✨ Empowering Futures Through Education ✨📚

We have had the honor to host valuable Rising Scholars Workshops to the college youth at our Iris Garrett Juvenile Justice Correctional Complex. These workshops are designed to help them explore their educational pathways beyond Merced College.

Workshop topics include –
• Fresno State Project Rebound Presentation
• Merced College Career & Transfer Workshop
• Project Rebound Stanislaus State Presentation
• UC Merced & UC Berkeley Underground Scholars
• Financial Aid Workshop

Students learned about opportunities to continue their academic journey by transferring to University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) campuses after completing their first two years at Merced College. The workshops provide guidance on transfer requirements, available resources, and strategies for achieving their higher education goals.

These sessions also include an interactive Q&A, giving students the opportunity to ask questions, gain clarity on the transfer process, and hear firsthand about the possibilities available to them.

We are proud to support educational access and success for all students, helping them build a strong foundation for their future and empowering them to reach their full potential.

Please join us in congratulating our newest team members who were officially sworn in this morning as part of the Merced County Probation Department team.

Ksh*tij "KT" Tamang – Deputy Probation Officer
Mike Ruiz – Deputy Probation Officer
Agibail Romero – Juvenile Institutions Officer
Cole Martin – Deputy Probation Officer

We are excited to welcome them to the department and look forward to the positive impact they will make in their new roles. Please help us give them a warm welcome as they embark on this important chapter in their careers👏

In observance of Memorial Day, all Merced County Probation offices will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2026. Normal business operations will resume on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. We honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Thank you.

This week, Breaking Barriers is proud to celebrate 7 individuals who successfully completed and graduated from the ACE Overcomers Recidivism Program! 🎉👏

Throughout the 12-week program, participants gained valuable knowledge and skills surrounding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), the impact childhood trauma can have on adulthood, and how those experiences can influence the choices we make.

Most importantly, they learned healthy ways to overcome trauma, break generational cycles, build stronger family dynamics, and live healthier, more positive lives.

We are tremendously proud of each and every one of you for your hard work, dedication, and growth. Your journey is inspiring, and this is only the beginning! 💙

If you or someone you know is interested in participating in our next ACE Overcomers Recidivism class, please feel free to stop by our office or give us a call to register.

📍 445 I Street, Building A, Los Banos, CA
📞 209-710-6044

Did someone say CHOCOLATE!!

Today, our youth at Iris Garrett Juvenile Justice Correctional Complex had the opportunity to participate in National Devil’s Food Cake Day! 🍰

To celebrate, the youth enjoyed an oversized homemade chocolate cupcake topped with rich chocolate fudge frosting, making the day both memorable and delicious.

Activities like these may seem simple, but they provide meaningful opportunities for connection, positive engagement, and creating a sense of normalcy and community within our facility. The youth enjoyed celebrating together while sharing some delicious treats and a positive moment.

Our department remains committed to providing programs and activities that encourage growth, support well-being, and promote positive experiences for the youth in our care.

Yesterday our furry friend came to visit with the youth at our Iris Garrett Juvenile Justice Correctional Complex — Genesis the Therapy Dog 🐾

Animal-assisted interactions like this create powerful moments of connection and calm. Spending time with a therapy dog can help reduce stress and anxiety, encourage positive social interaction, and provide comfort to youth who may be going through difficult transitions. Even a few minutes of petting or playing with a therapy dog can help lower heart rate, improve mood, and promote a sense of trust and emotional safety.

Genesis brought plenty of smiles, tail wags, and positive energy to our facility today. Visits like these remind our youth that support, kindness, and healing can come in many forms — sometimes with four legs and a wagging tail.

Thank you to Genesis and her handlers for taking the time to brighten our youths’ day and help support their emotional well-being. 🐶💙