The majority of misdemeanor and felony offenders in Sacramento County,are placed on probation as part of their sentence. Those placed on formal probation are under the jurisdiction of the Sacramento County Probation Department. 

Offenders under the age of 18 may be committed to the Sacramento County Boys Ranch, or may be supervised in the community under Juvenile Field Services. Some of those put on community supervision may be sent to the Day Reporting Center at the River Oak Youth Development and Education Center.  The Probation Department’s Placement Division places youth in group homes or residential rehabilitation programs when their home environment is unstable, or the needs of the youth are such that intensive residential therapy is required necessary.

Adults on formal probation are supervised in the community.