It shall be the duty of probation officers to supervise the probationers and other persons placed under their supervision and to advise, assist and befriend them; to inquire, in accordance with any directions of the court, into the circumstances or home surroundings of any person with a view to assisting the court in determining the most suitable method of dealing with his case; to advise, assist and befriend, in such cases and in such manner as may be prescribed, persons who have been released from custody; and to perform such other duties as may be prescribed or may be imposed by any enactment.