Pinal County Juvenile Court volunteers needed

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Pinal County Juvenile Court is fortunate to have over 100 dedicated volunteers through the Community Advisory Board, Restorative Justice Panels, the Youth Justice Center and general office assistance.

According to Pinal County Presiding Juvenile Judge Gilberto V. Figueroa, “Volunteers give children in the Juvenile Court system their time, their commitment, serve as an example, mentor, and sometimes even a parent. But they always wind up giving the kids’ one thing the kids have little of and that is their hearts and love. The Court benefits from the fact that the volunteers often provide updates, reports and information from a perspective the Court probably would not see from anyone else. The volunteers in the Juvenile Court system are invaluable.”

There are many opportunities for volunteers at Juvenile Court Services:

Community Advisory Board: This group is appointed by the Presiding Court Judge and represents diverse professional, cultural, and community backgrounds from areas all over Pinal County. They assist the Judge and Juvenile Court by helping evaluate and enhance services as well as ensure that Juvenile Court practices continue to reflect the best interests of youth, families, victims and the community. The CAB meets every other month in Florence. There are several openings on the board. Areas that need representatives on the board include Apache Junction, Maricopa and Eloy.

Restorative Justice Panels: Located throughout the county, these panels are comprised of volunteers who meet with youthful offenders and their parents/guardians. Their purpose is to hold the offender personally responsible for their actions while actively working with the family to help the youthful offender repair the harm they have caused to their victims and community. There are panels that have openings in Casa Grande, Coolidge, Florence, Maricopa, Apache Junction and the Tri-Community area.

Youth Justice Center: Volunteers are always needed at the Youth Justice Center (previously known as the Detention Center) in Florence. Special programming is done in the areas of ministry, prevention, health and fitness, music, art and mentoring. Volunteers are needed in all areas of programming.

Whether you have an extra hour or a few days a week to give, there is a need for positive role models at Juvenile Court Services. To find out how you can get more involved, contact Donna McBride, Program Administrator, at (520) 866-7074 or via email.