NCJ Number
133174
Journal
Judges' Journal Volume: 30 Issue: 2 Dated: (Spring 1991) Pages: 56-64
Date Published
1991
Length
9 pages
Annotation
Judge Mary Dell Cody has initiated several court-related volunteer projects in Elk Point, S. Dak., including a shelter for battered women, a program helping truant youth go to school, and cooperative efforts among agencies.
Abstract
Recognizing that the community lacked a social services department and probation officers, she decided to try using volunteers to assist the court. Discussions with community members generated 170 ideas for using volunteers in the court system. Recruiting occurred through word-of-mouth, signs in the local coffee shop and courthouse, and a notice in the newspaper. Volunteers worked in child protection, victim-witness assistance, probation recovery, self-help support for addiction problems, and transportation. College and law students are also used for research and internships. Concern about insurance liability has not hampered the program; in South Dakota, volunteers can be covered under workman's compensation. Supervising volunteers takes only a small amount of time, and judges are missing opportunities for added services as well as improved public relations if they do not use volunteers.