Laplano, Richard Jairus D.

BS CRIMINOLOGY -3

FORERUNNERS OF PROBATION

John Augustus, the “Father of Probation,” is recognized as the first true probation officer. Augustus was
born in Woburn, Massachusetts in 1785. By 1829, he was a permanent resident of Boston and the owner
of a successful boot-making business. It was undoubtedly his membership in the Washington Total
Abstinence Society that led him to the Boston courts. Washingtonians abstained from alcohol
themselves and were convinced that abusers of alcohol could be rehabilitated through understanding,
kindness, and sustained moral suasion, rather than through conviction and jail sentences.

Teodulo C. Natividad recognized as the Father of Philippine Probation was appointed its first
Administrator. With PD 968, probation became an added component of Philippine Corrections System
and proved its institutional worth. He headed the committee (IDCCP) primarily tasked with the
drafting of the adult probation law

Mathew Davenport Hill is considered the father of probation in England. He left an interesting
account of his experiments in the Birmingham court. He was in the forefront of reforming juvenile
offenders. He finds persons who act as guardians of the juvenile offender. Then at an unexpected
period, the confidential officer visits the guardian, makes inquiries and keeps notes of information
received. He conducted his experiment in the Birmingham Court. Beginning in the early years of
1481, he acted for and in behalf of juvenile offenders, when he believes: 1. The individual is not fully
corrupt 2. There was reasonable hope of reformation 3. When there could be found persons to act As
guardian they are kind enough to take charge of the young convict. In the belief that there is better
hope for reformation under such guardians than in prison. At unexpected period, confidential officers
visits the guardians, make inquiries and register facts. He was thus informed and records were kept.