Juvenile justice volunteers needed from Shoreline

The King County Superior Court, PARTNERSHIP FOR YOUTH JUSTICE, is seeking volunteers from the Shoreline area to serve on a Community Accountability Board (CAB).

The function of the board is to determine consequences for minor juvenile offenders in their community. The key role of the CAB as a community service is to balance the needs of victims, communities and offenders.

The Partnership for Youth Justice program of King County Superior Court is a community response to a community problem.

Many juveniles referred to juvenile court are first offenders who commit offenses such as shoplifting, malicious mischief, or possession of alcohol. These youth may be eligible for an alternative to formal court processing known as "diversion."

With diversion, the youth meets with a Community Accountability Board (CAB) that is made up of volunteers from the community. The CAB and the youth enter into a written agreement about what consequences will be imposed for the youth's behavior such as restitution to the victim, community service, a fine, counseling, informational or educational classes, and other options.

The goal is to restore each of the parties, as fully as possible, from the effects of crime. The program offers an alternative to the formal juvenile justice system by diverting those youth to their community for an informal hearing.

Requirements for volunteers include at least a one-year commitment, completion of training, two hours a month participation and a non-judgmental attitude towards youth. Hearings are held in the evenings.

Call 206-296-1133 for more information on how you can become involved in your community.