NCJ Number
213408
Date Published
April 1999
Length
321 pages
Annotation
This handbook introduces concepts and programs associated with court and community collaboration in California and across the Nation.
Abstract
Section 1 provides an overview of court and community collaboration and presents general guidelines to consider when planning court community outreach programs. Section 2 presents profiles and examples of methods for improving the dialog between courts and the communities they serve. Topics addressed include customer service development, media relationships, citizen advisory committees, and partnerships for providing civics education. Section 3 examines resources for potential partners and volunteers, as well as for developing court volunteer programs. Sample volunteer program tools are provided, along with a resource list that identifies the organizations and individuals who expressed interest in partnering with their local courts. Section 4 provides an overview of the national movement toward community problem solving through justice initiatives. The descriptions of community justice programs cover community criminal justice and community civil justice. Section 5 presents five models of court and community public education programs. These are entitled working with youth and schools, juror education/appreciation, speakers bureaus, courthouse tours, and public information materials. For each model, a general program description is provided. Section 6 contains a comprehensive analysis of ethical considerations in judicial involvement in community collaboration activities. Section 7 encourages courts to continue seeking innovative responses to community needs and concerns. Examples are provided on innovation that bridges court practice with community needs. Appended program listing, resource contacts, an 88-item bibliography, and a subject index