When a supreme court, family court, or surrogate court judge is required to render a decision on an adoption, custody, visitation, or guardianship matter, the judge may order the Probation Department to conduct an investigation. Probation submits a report to the court with background information and recommendations for a disposition in the best interest of a child or a dependent adult.

The probation investigation is an objective representation of the facts involved in the case and provides the court with a fairly comprehensive snapshot of what it going on in the family unit.

The investigation process includes interviews of the parties and a review of all relevant records. If a home visit is ordered by the court, the Probation Officer will visit the residence, confirm who lives there and report on suitability and safety factors.

A custody, adoption, visitation, or guardianship investigation allows the Department of Probation to be the eyes and ears of the court and submit the information in a professional and concise manner.