Who do I contact about volunteer opportunities?
If you are interested in volunteering at the Juvenile Court, please contact Ms. Susan Thesier at 385-8875. She will provide you with a list of the Court's volunteer opportunities that range from giving directions at the information desk to coordinating programs.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
VOLUNTEERS MUST HAVE NO CRIMINAL RECORD AND NO CASES PENDING BEFORE THE VIRGINIA BEACH JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS DISTRICT COURT OR CHARGES PENDING BEFORE ANY COURT. VOLUNTEERS MUST BE AT LEAST 21 YEARS OF AGE.
ASSISTANT VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR – Maintain monthly reports, volunteer files, arrange and conduct tours of juvenile facilities. Assist in the planning and execution of special events, volunteer recognition and fund raising events. Computer skills are helpful. COMMITMENT – one or two mornings a week.
CLERICAL ASSISTANT – Provide clerical support to the CSU by answering phones, greeting clients, performing typing duties, office responsibilities and other clerical tasks as needed. COMMITMENT – one or two days per week.
COURT ASSISTANTS – Assist the Judge during court hearings, record summary information, complete forms and escort families to the probation department. COMMITMENT – one day per week from 8:30 to 2:00.
DESIGN A VOLUNTEER JOB – If you have an idea for using your particular skills, call 385-8875 for an appointment to discuss it! EMERGENCY DUTY PROBATION AIDE – Conduct screenings for court-appointed counsel; meet with families after court that are referred to other programs by the judge; clarify the court order; complete various releases and forms. COMMITMENT – one morning per week from 8:30 to 1:00.
FAMILY ADVOCACY NETWORK SERVICES – Contact victims of family violence to provide information, support, and referrals and accompany the victim to court. COMMITMENT – one or two mornings per week.
GROUP LEADER/CO-FACILITATOR – Co-facilitate or lead groups to provide counseling or education to juveniles and their families to promote lawful and appropriate behavior. Duties will vary depending on the type of group. COMMITMENT – Complete a 5-8 week group, usually held in the evening.
INFORMATION DESK – Give information and directions to the public in the court lobby. COMMITMENT – one or two mornings a week from 8:00 to 11:00 am. INTERNS – Must be a senior in a degree program or graduate level. COMMITMENT – per the school’s requirement. (We have competition for a few interns each year, so apply early.)
PROBATION AIDE – Duties will vary but may include contact with client and parents, detention reviews, diversion counseling through Intake, "Think Tank" sessions, collateral contacts with schools and therapists, complete social histories and/or YASI. COMMITMENT – Flexible, however, Probation Aides must be responsible for meeting time constraints once duties are assigned.
TRANSPORTATION AIDE – Provide monthly transportation to state correctional facilities for parents of committed youth; assist in transporting youth on probation to various groups and programs. State or city vehicle will be provided; however, volunteer must complete Defensive Driving and have no points on DMV record. COMMITMENT – varies based on need and number of transportation aides available.
Please call Susan Thesier at 385-8875 for an application or send your complete address by e-mail to susan.thesier@djj.virginia.gov. Please be patient with our process, it takes 4 to 6 weeks to complete the background check required by the Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice.
VOLUNTEERS MUST BE AT LEAST 21 YEARS OF AGE FOR ALL VOLUNTEER POSITIONS.