THE SOCIAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL TASK OF ADOLESCENCE IS IDENTIFICATION. THE DEVELOPMENTAL TASK OF IDENTIFICATION INVOLVES ACQUIRING A SURE PICTURE OF ONE'S SELF BY SEX, BY OCCUPATION, AND BY PLACE IN A COMMUNITY. HELPING THE OFFENDER ACHIEVE IDENTIFICATION IS ACCOMPLISHED THROUGH THE PROPER USE OF AUTHORITATIVE AND SUPPORTIVE MEASURES DESIGNED TO GIVE THE YOUTH SELF-CONFIDENCE, REALISTIC HELP, AND BROADER PERSPECTIVES. WORKERS DEALING WITH YOUTHFUL OFFENDERS SHOULD UNDERSTAND THE AUTHORITY THEY HAVE, BE COMFORTABLE WITH IT, AND USE IT EFFECTIVELY. AUTHORITY ELICITS A RESPONSE IN HOPE OF REWARD, A RESPONSE TO FEAR OF REPRISAL, AN AUTOMATIC OR CONDITIONED RESPONSE, A RECOGNITION OF COMPETENCE, AND AN IDENTIFICATION WITH A PERSON OF AUTHORITY. THE PROBATION OFFICER SHOULD TRY TO DISPEL THE AUTOMATIC FEAR AND DISTRUST YOUTHFUL OFFENDERS HAVE FOR AUTHORITY. THEY SHOULD SHOW THAT THEY ARE COMPETENT AND ARE INTERESTED IN THEIR PROBATIONERS. PARENTS ARE OF CONSIDERABLE IMPORTANCE TO THE PROBATION OFFICER. A HEALTHY PUSH TOWARD MATURITY CAN BE SUPPORTED BY THE WORKER WHO CAN FREE A YOUNG OFFENDER FROM THE ATTITUDES WHICH TIE HIM TO AN UNHAPPY PAST.