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Juvenile & Family Court Division
Important Updates as of 5/20/2022 - COVID-19
Masking in public, indoor places is recommended, although no longer required.
- Our group programs will be in person, online, or postponed until further notice. Functional Family Therapy will continue on a modified basis, using teletherapy when feasible. Marcus Farley will be in touch with your family about these arrangements if you are currently involved in FFT. CONNECT (COS) will continue by way of ZOOM. Kelli Parcher and Meagan Ryan will be in touch regarding this program. Educational Employment Training (EET) will be going through some internal changes but youth will be informed as the changes happen. I-Act will continue to function in person, Shannon Burns and Kelli Parcher will be in touch regarding this program.
- Our JPC(s) will discuss with you how we can continue to support certain service needs your child may have, such as treatment, counseling, drug testing, and so on.
- Court hearings will continue as normal but are subject to change as the impact of the virus changes. Court hearings are currently held in person with the option for remote appearances.
- We will be available by telephone to discuss any issues related to your child’s case plan. Additionally, if you have questions about situations that might come up during this time involving the behavior of your child, we are available to talk those through with you!
GAL Updates
- GALs may appear for dependency court in person or may attend remotely via Zoom.
- Please note that making is not required at this time, but recommended.
- If you are attending remotely, please use the following for Zoom:
- Join Zoom Meeting (Dependency Calendar on Thursdays at 1pm)
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88158879137?pwd=bmNqV0ZCR2lmNncya3h6T2gvQThBZz09
Meeting ID: 881 5887 9137
Passcode: 197552
1-253-215-8782 ( call in number, enter Meeting ID when prompted, Passcode as well)
- Join Zoom Meeting (Dependency Calendar on Thursdays at 1pm)
Purpose
The Jefferson County Juvenile and Family Court is a Division of the Superior Court and serves youth and their families in a variety of ways. Most often, contact with this Department is a significant experience in the lives of those involved. In this context, it is our goal to do that which is within our power to see this experience as constructive in nature. The Juvenile and Family Court strives to reflect a climate that encourages positive change, creativity in problem solving, open sharing of ideas, and a general appreciation for children.
Core Values:
Contact with the Jefferson County Juvenile & Family Court Division is usually a significant experience for youth and families ( or, for all those) involved. It is our intention to ensure that this experience is constructive and positive in nature. Our department acknowledges the inherent worth of all individuals with whom we interact and we envision a departmental culture committed to:
- Unbiased advocacy, hope and resilience
- Collaboration, accountability and support
- Respect, integrity and excellence
- Innovation, research and responsiveness
- Prevention, restoration and rehabilitation
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COVID-19 Resources
The purpose of this page is to provide youth and families information regarding the outbreak of COVID-19
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CASA & GAL Program
Jefferson County's GAL Program is a part of National CASA, the only volunteer organization that empowers everyday citizens as appointed members of the court.
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Detention Services
Youth who are booked for criminal offenses by law enforcement, or who are ordered to be held by a judge for pre-trial or post-trial reasons, may serve time in secure detention.
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Diverted Youth
Diversion is a program for youth who commit a misdemeanor offense for the first time, or for whom the prosecuting attorney believes would benefit from a discretionary diversion referral rather than require a formal charge in the Juvenile Court.
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Functional Family Therapy
Functional Family Therapy is a short-term intervention program with an average of 8 to 12 sessions over 3 to 5 months.
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Juvenile Court Records
In most cases, juvenile records are sealed when a juvenile reaches the age of 18.
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Non-Offender & At-Risk Youth Services
The Juvenile and Family Court provides assistance to youth and their families who are experiencing stressors around issues that relate to family functioning, runaway behaviors, truancy, mental health and substance use.
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Offender Case Management & Probation Supervision
Youth who are adjudicated for violations of the law generally receive case management and probation supervision from the Juvenile and Family Court Services Department.
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Volunteer Opportunities
Discover various volunteer opportunities with the Juvenile and Family Court of Jefferson County.
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Youth & Family Programs
The Juvenile and Family Court provides a variety of programs and interventions that are evidence based and designed to address certain criminogenic needs of the youth we serve.