Probation was that the same as a public reproof ?
Fadeaway ...
Technically no. From a practical standpoint, basically yes.
Probably 40 years ago or so it was changed based on the premise that once a person shows evidence of repentance, there is no specific time limit they need to live with. You are forgiven. God is not looking at a calendar.
However, there are still restrictions now that are imposed in many cases. It's just more of a private thing with no specific time period. This also applies to private reproof.
For example, you are told that you will not lead the congregation in prayer or some other thing. It lasts for some number of months or however long the committee decides it to be.
There is just no fixed time period anymore and it is kept more quiet.
Rub a Dub