Juvenile Department

This is a learning opportunity for you to witness the process of youth and families going through Attendance Court while providing administrative support to the staff facilitating the process.

Learning objectives

• Gain an understanding of juvenile court process as it applies to truancy.
• Increase (or gain) awareness of professional requirements and expectations for a job working with youth in a court room setting.
• Observe collaborative relationship between school partners, juvenile department staff, and youth and families.

Expectations

• You will be observing conversations between parents, youth, school representatives and the Judge. Please observe respectfully.
• Some questions that will be asked of adults are of a personal nature and aid in the Judge’s ability to make informed decision. This information should be dealt with respectfully.
• Courtroom staff will expect you to ask questions about the job and training at appropriate times. Please take notes so you can follow up while court is not in session. The best time to ask about processes and/or debrief is directly after a court hearing.
• Please inquire about emergency exits, panic buttons and safety protocols during your visit.

Guidelines

• Do your best listening to the youth’s and family’s answers during the court process. You can learn a lot and see how follow up questions are asked.

Technical

• The courtroom is a secure facility. You will be entering through a metal detector upon entering. No weapons or other dangerous/hazardous items are allowed inside the courtroom or Juvenile Department buildings. If you have a concealed carry permit, you may not bring your weapon inside, or on County property. This includes your vehicle.
• If you encounter a conflict of interest during your visit, notify staff immediately. Examples of conflicts would include knowing (directly or indirectly) a youth or parent/family member of a youth in the courtroom.
• Any information that you hear and witness are covered by state and county confidentiality policies. You have signed a confidentiality agreement. Please ask staff if you have any questions.
• If you encounter a conflict of interest during your visit, notify the staff immediately.
• Photos, videos and electronic devices are not permitted.
• Please turn off your cell phones.

Victim Impact Program is in search of a spring/summer volunteer or intern to assist with meaningful administrative tasks that provide support to victims of juvenile offenses within our community. This volunteer would work in collaboration with the Victim Services Coordinator and Clackamas County Resolution Services to provide information and support to victims, assist in the Victim-Offender Dialogue referral process, and gather and document feedback from victims we have served in order to improve our quality of service.

We are committed to responding effectively to the needs and concerns of community members who are victims of offenses committed by juveniles. It is important that we understand what harm victims have experienced and how we, as representatives of the community, can respond in ways that are helpful and meaningful to them. Our primary goal through the Victim Impact Program is to promptly reach out to victims in order to effectively understand, and respond to, their interests as we strive to hold the youth meaningfully accountable. 

Victims of crime have clearly stated what issues are most important to them and the response they would like to receive from the justice system. People who have been victimized generally want: acknowledgement, information, a voice and a choice to participate.

Intern/Volunteer Duties and Responsibilities

A volunteer for Victim Impact Program would have the opportunity to do the following:

• Assist with phone calls and case management in VIP database
  When a new case has been entered into the VIP database, we follow up by phone to hear about impact, elicit their needs and requests, and explain the juvenile justice process. Victims are given the opportunity to request to meet the youth who harmed them in a Victim-Offender Dialogue. All contact with victims is documented in the database.
• Support with Victim-Offender Dialogue referrals
  If a victim requests a Victim-Offender Dialogue a referral is sent to Resolution Services. The volunteer would assist with coordinating cases and act as a liaison between the Juvenile Department and Resolution Services.
• Mail surveys and perform follow-up calls to victims
  It is important that the victim’s voice is heard beyond the initial outreach; we want to hear from them about their experience with the Juvenile Department and Victim Impact Program. In order to provide victims with the opportunity to give the Juvenile Department feedback regarding our quality of service, victims are surveyed by mail or phone.
• Assist with data entry
  We collect victim satisfaction surveys as well as pre- and post-Victim-Offender Dialogue surveys. All data is collected and entered into Excel spreadsheets

Schedule will be agreed upon between supervising Victim Services Coordinator, Resolution Services, and volunteer.

Learning Objectives

• Gain knowledge and understanding of:
  • Resources and services available to victims through Victim Impact Program
  • Various victim experiences through the juvenile justice system
  • The process of cases handled in Diversion
  • The Victim-Offender Dialogue referral process and case management
  • Evidence-based practices and program evaluation through VIP data collection and data entry
• Learn philosophical perspectives endorsed and implemented by the Juvenile Department, such as best practices and Restorative Justice
• The opportunity to practice active listening and empathy when speaking with victims of crime
• The opportunity to participate in the 2-day Restorative Justice Training, and hear about additional trainings such as the Victim-Offender Dialogue Facilitator Training.

For more information, please email Vikki Allen at vallen@clackamas.us or call 503-650-3146.  

Clackamas County youth who are placed in detention are housed at the Donald E. Long Home detention facility in Portland, Oregon. The Donald E. Long Home is a professionally-staffed detention facility which provide their health, security and safety needs.

Donald E. Long Home
1401 N.E. 68th Street
Portland, Oregon 97213
503-988-3475

Visiting information

Eligibility for detention

Youth are held in detention for a variety of reasons, most of which center around and three issues:

• community safety
• assuring the youth will appear for a court hearing
• holding the youth accountable

In addition to the above issues, there are further legal standards which must be met before a youth can be placed in detention. No youth under 12 years of age may be held in detention prior to a judicial review. A youth is eligible for placement in detention if:

• charged with a felony crime
• charged with a crime involving physical injury to another person
• he or she willfully failed to appear for a Juvenile Court hearing by failing to obey a summons, subpoena or citation
• he or she violated probation or conditional release
• he or she was illegally in possession of a firearm in violation (ORS166.250)
• a warrant for the custody of that youth has been issued
• the youth is a fugitive or runaway from another state
• a misdemeanor under ORS 166.025
• the youth is required to be held in detention for the reasonable protection of the victim

Overview | Practice Opportunities | Application Process | Internship | Contact

Overview

Over the years we have been fortunate to have numerous students and volunteers work with us to gain hands-on experience, learn about the juvenile justice system and assist us in our work.  It is our goal that students and volunteers will perform specific job responsibilities that lead to practical work experiences related to the field of juvenile justice. 

Opportunities for Practice

• Probation
• Drug Court
• Skills Groups Facilitation
• Community Service
• Youth Supervision (Community Connections, Project Payback)
• Restorative Justice
• Dialogue Facilitation (through Partner Clackamas Resolution Services)
• Research and Evaluation
• Clerical Support

Application Process and Guidelines

1. All applicants will need to complete an application , an interview, reference checks, a criminal history check, and a driving history check.
2. All applicants must be at least 21 years of age at the time of their experience.
3. After being accepted for a student/volunteer position, a full time staff member will provide orientation regarding the Juvenile Department's policies and procedures, training, supervision and evaluation.
4. All student and volunteer positions are unpaid. It is expected that persons accepted into these positions will be reliable, dependable and will carry themselves professionally.
5. All program participants will be expected to learn and follow the policies and procedures of the Juvenile Department.
6. All students and volunteers are accepted on a case by case basis.

Internship and Practicum

Students working towards their Associates, Bachelors and Masters Degrees are interviewed and the agency works to create a learning opportunity to meet their needs. As the various colleges and universities have different expectations of hours and duties we will attempt to meet the requirements with each student.  Students with a strong interest in Juvenile Corrections, Social Service, Psychology, Sociology or other related areas are encouraged to apply. 

For further detail on expectations and potential learning objectives and guidelines we encourage you to read the following descriptions on our current volunteer and intern opportunities.

• Supporting Skills Groups
• Youth Tutor
• Community Connections
• Infiniworks
• Restorative Justice Intern
• Project Payback

If you are interested in this opportunity, please call 503-650-3146 and ask for the Volunteer Coordinator. All internships are full for the fall of 2018. If you are interested in future internships, email Vikki Allen at Vallen@clackamas.us.

Application materials

• Criminal History Release
• Volunteer Intern Application

Si Le gustaría más informatión en español, por favor comuníquese con Maria Baltazar por correo electrónico: Mbaltazar@clackamas.us o llamando al 503-655-8342 ext. 7190.

With the growing Latino population throughout the state of Oregon, there is an increasing need for services within Clackamas County to be provided in Spanish. The Juvenile Department is one of several county departments that is currently providing such services.

In addition to Spanish-speaking Court Counselors who provide probation and diversion services for the youth and families served by our department, the Juvenile Department has made efforts to ensure that many of our community based partners now provide services for our Spanish-speaking youth and families in their local communities.

The Juvenile Department also continues to expand its efforts to provide much of our department information, such as appointment letters and family information forms, in English and Spanish, as well as making efforts to provide interpreters for court appearances, attorney meetings and treatment providers, if necessary.

When a youth is referred to the Juvenile Department by a police agency and Juvenile Department staff determine the youth and/or the family is Spanish-speaking, he/she is referred to one of our Spanish-speaking Juvenile Counselors who initiate contact and schedule an intake meeting for the youth and family. At the intake meeting, the Juvenile Counselor provides the youth and family with general information about the Juvenile Justice System and answers questions or concerns the family may have about the process. They also use this time to interview the youth and family to gather family history information as well as information pertaining to the alleged criminal referral. At that time, it is also determined if there are indeed language and/or cultural considerations that would verify the need for the youth/family to continue working with a Spanish-speaking Juvenile Counselor. If it is obvious to the Juvenile Counselor that there is no apparent need for Spanish-speaking services, the youth will be transferred to the Juvenile Counselor assigned to that youth's specific geographic area.

Services are available for victims whose cases are handled by our staff. We reach out to crime victims in order to effectively respond to, and serve, their interests. It is our intent to gain an understanding of the harm victims have experienced and to have those impacts help shape how the offender is held accountable.

Forms

Intitial Letter to Victims
This letter is provided to all victims of juvenile offense to acknowledge the harm done and provide important information regarding their case.

Rights Request Form
Complete this form to invoke your selected rights as a crime victim.

Restitution Request Form
Complete this form to document your financial loss with the Juvenile department.  Receipts and other documentation of proof must be mailed separately to:

Clackamas County Juvenile Department
Attn: Victim Services Coordinator
2121 Kaen Road
Oregon City, OR 97045.

Restorative Justice

Restorative justice is an approach that brings the victim, youth offender, and members of the cummunity impacted together for a mediated conversation. The goals of this approach are youth offenders are held meaningfully accountable, crime victims are heard and empowered, and communities are engaged both as stakeholders that have been negatively impacted and as advocates to make things right for the crime victim, offender and community.

If you have more questions about restorative justice, please contact us, and ask for the restorative justice coordinator.

Victim Impact Program (VIP)

The Victim Impact Program (VIP) assists with property-related crimes.  This includes:

• property offenses and thefts
• robbery offenses
• arson and fire related offenses
• animal abuse offenses

If you are a victim of a person to person crime, please contact the District Attorney's office for Victim Assistance at 503-650-3188 or 503-655-8616 (24-Hour Crisis Line).

Our primary goal through VIP is to reach out to crime victims in order to effectively respond to, and serve, their interests. It is our intent to gain an understanding of the harm they have experienced and to have those impacts help shape how the offender is held accountable, to both them and to the community.

The Victim Impact Program is Committed To

• honoring victim's rights
• responding to the individual interests of the crime victims we serve
• acknowledging how crime victims have been impacted by the harmful actions committed against them
• informing crime victims of the steps being taken to address the harm done to them
• encouraging their voice and participation in determining how to meaningfully address and repair that harm

VIP Services

The Victim Services Coordinator (VSC) contacts property crime victims to provide the following services:

• information regarding the Juvenile Justice process
• explanation of victim rights
• assistance in filing restitution requests and providing the necessary documentation
• information regarding Victim-Offender Dialogues
• liaison between the victim and juvenile court counselor
• emotional support and community referrals
• support during meetings and court hearings
• ongoing case status information
• assistance in completing a Victim Impact Statement

Victim-Offender Dialogue (VOD) Program

Victim-Offender Dialogues (VODs) are a voluntary, confidential process in which highly trained volunteers organize and facilitate face-to-face meetings between victims of crime and their offenders. The Victim-Offender Dialogue Program is provided through a partnership between the Juvenile department and Resolution Services.

When a VOD is requested, and it is determined to be appropriate and safe, both parties (victim and offender) will participate in a facilitated dialogue to explore what happened, discuss the impacts, and determine how to meaningfully address the harm resulting from the youth’s actions.

The program is committed to:

• providing in-depth assessment and preparation for crime victims and offenders
• the safety and comfort of our clients;
• maintaining VOD as a voluntary process
• providing quality and ongoing training and evaluation to volunteer facilitators
• empowering participants of the process to determine their own solutions for addressing the harm resulting from the criminal behavior

Crime victims

Crime victims have the opportunity to ask any questions, share the impact that the youth’s actions have had on them, and discuss what they need in order to move forward in processing the experience.

The preparation and time frame for dialogues varies for each case and is dependent upon everyone’s readiness to meet. The crime victim or offender can stop the process at any time if either party does not wish to continue.

Youth offenders

Young people who commit crimes are going to be able to understand and be accountable for the harm they have done through a criminal offense, they need to be presented with the human impact of their actions.

Youth are given the opportunity to hear directly from the people impacted by their actions and to play a role in determining what they can do in order to meaningfully address the victim’s needs. The process often results in work for victims or community service work as a meaningful way to be held accountable.

Victim Rights

Many rights for victims are automatic, but there are some that a victim must request. Learn more about victim rights at the Department of Justice website.

Important functions that occur at the Intake and Assessment Center include:

• Referrals to community resources—such as counseling, mediation or drug/alcohol assessment.
• Juvenile Counselors are available 24 hours to answer phone calls from both youth and parents and provide consultation/referrals to community agencies.
• Additional screenings such as substance abuse, suicidal, violence and self-injury can be conducted with additional professional resources being sought.
• JIAC also provides a central information system for police agencies. The law mandates that all youth who are taken into custody for a crime must be fingerprinted and photographed. JIAC has state of the art equipment and provides this service for all Clackamas County police agencies.

First-Time Referral | Sanctions for Repeat Offenders | Driving Under the Influence | Other Drug Services

The philosophy of the program is to ensure youth are being held accountable for their actions, their treatment needs are being assessed and their risk to the community is addressed.

The approach is intended to provide a balanced and consistent method of dealing with the youth and his/her referral. This is accomplished through the use of required protocols and consequences for all referral levels. These protocols are equally applied to all cases that indicate sufficient grounds to proceed in court.

Process of handling first-time referrals

First time MIP/PCS (Minor in Possession of Alcohol, Possession of Marijuana <1oz) cases are handled through local community Diversion Panels. There exists 11 Diversion Panels within each City of Clackamas County. These panels are comprised of community volunteers and coordinated though the Juvenile Department. The Diversion Panel Coordinator reads and reviews each police report. This is followed by scheduling a face-to-face interview with the youth and his/her family. The initial interview is used to determine the level of the youth's risk both to self and/or community in relationship to his/her substance abuse related behaviors. This contact is also used to inform the youth and family of potential consequences for the youth's behavior. The youth and family may be provided the option of meeting with a volunteer community panel and sign a Diversion Program Agreement, which will include at a minimum:

• no further violations of any criminal laws or ordinances;
• not possess or consume any alcohol or illegal drugs;
• satisfactorily complete a drug/alcohol evaluation/education program; and
• maintain regular contact with the counselor assigned.

This agreement may also include, at the Panel's discretion:

• random urinalysis testing;
• community service work;
• an essay on drugs or alcohol; and
• sanctions for repeat offenders.

Sanctions for repeat offenders

Any youth who receives a second drug/alcohol violation will be referred to MIP Court. The youth and family will receive a letter scheduling them for a group intake meeting and then court. This intake will be used to give information on the court process and what to expect.

At the initial court hearing, the youth's rights are explained and the youth will be asked to enter a plea. If the youth admits, the Judge will proceed and determine the disposition of the case. At the time of the hearing, the Juvenile Counselor will make a recommendation which may include:

• suspension of driving privileges for one year or until the age of 17, (whichever is longer). Note: The suspension of driving privileges is mandatory for any alcohol or drug related conviction;
• a fine or money judgment order (to be waived if successfully completed MIP Court Sanctions);
• community service work; and/or
• completion of a drug evaluation with drug and alcohol education, evaluation, counseling, treatment, or support groups.

If the youth is going to deny the charge, a contested hearing will be scheduled before the Circuit Court Judge handling juvenile matters.

For further information regarding MIP/PCS charges, contact the Clackamas County Juvenile Department at 503-655-8342ext. 6142.

Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants (DUII)

In 2005, Clackamas County Juvenile Court retained jurisdiction over Juvenile DUII (Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants) crimes in Clackamas County. Clackamas County Juvenile Department is committed to providing intensive supervision for DUII youth offenders in order to promote positive outcomes and reduce recidivism rates. In the juvenile justice system youth engage in treatment specifically designed for adolescents, have active family involvement and access to numerous resources in order to support their success. Research indicates with more intensive supervision and appropriate treatment interventions, youth have better outcomes for success.

Other drug services

Referrals to the Clackamas County Juvenile Department regarding felony drug charges are assigned to a Juvenile Department Counselor who will respond by developing a plan which takes into consideration public safety, treatment/education issues and concerns, and appropriate sanctions.

In collaboration with our partners, we offer Project Payback services primarily to hold youth offenders accountable to pay back their victims for any financial losses resulting from the youth’s criminal behavior. The program strives to do this through work projects that are meaningful to the community and simultaneously build the work and social competencies of the referred youth.

We are committed to:

• applying the values and principles of balanced and restorative justice in our practice
• providing a positive work environment for youth
• expanding and cultivating meaningful community partnerships, involvement, and projects
• holding youth offenders accountable to fulfill their restitution obligations to Clackamas County victims of juvenile offenses
• supporting youth in developing practical job skills, expanding pro-social attitudes, and strengthening confidence to find meaningful employment

Program Benefits

• Paid work opportunities for youth to fulfill their restitution obligations.
• Low-cost, meaningful projects in communities throughout Clackamas County:
  • trail building and maintenance;
  • restoring the natural habitat of streams;
  • invasive species removal;
  • environmental reclamation; and,
  • public space enhancement and maintenance.
• Youth build capacity for being pro-social members of Clackamas County’s emerging work force.
• Youth work side-by-side with community volunteers.
• Strengthens peer-to-peer relationship skills.

Crew schedules and Information

Flex Crew

Flex Work Crews on Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m. Youth are to meet at 2106 Kaen Road, Oregon City, OR 97045, directly across from the Juvenile department. If you are running late or are going to be absent, call the Juvenile Department.

10-Week Crew and Special Projects Crew

10-Week and Special Project Crews are coordinated based on rotating and evolving contracts, and are therefore in different locations and scheduled for different times.

Expectations

• Be present and on time
• Wear appropriate clothing
• No cigarettes, tobacco, matches, lighters, weapons or sharp instruments
• No use of cell phones or mp3 devices
• Treat others with respect
• No inappropriate language, gestures or remarks

Partners

What are the Benefits of Becoming a Project Payback Partner?

• Low cost work crews consisting of at least two adult staff and between 4 to 8 youth
• Strengthens the community through providing support to at-risk youth:
  • provides income to youth offenders to pay back their victims
  • provides job-skill learning opportunities
• Crew members are compelled and motivated to be efficient and provide high quality outcomes.
• Low-maintenance partnership.

What Kinds of Projects are Ideal?

To successfully meet all the goals of the program, Project Payback gives priority to partners which emphasize and provide projects that:

• provide relief and support to community members in need
• enhance and beautify public spaces
• support community events or activities
• build infrastructure for public spaces
• engage advanced skill sets which can be taught to crew members

Some examples of projects have included:

• construction of a natural habitat look-out pavilion
• development and installation of automatic watering system
• construction of walkway fencing;
• clearing and maintaining walking, hiking, and bike trails
• environmental reclamation

Become a Partner

Please contact us, and ask for the Project Payback coordintor to initiate this process.