Volunteer Opportunities

Spokane County Juvenile Court believes volunteers are essential for the effective implementation of our programs. It is recognized that their skills and abilities benefit the court, the family, and the community. Volunteers make direct contributions to staff effectiveness, provide families with intensive direct services, and through their added awareness of juvenile issues, benefit the community at large.

For information on any of these volunteer opportunities, please contact us at 509-477-2469 or by email. Please view our Volunteer Brochure (PDF).

Court Appointed Special Advocate & Guardian Ad Litem


When a petition has been filed alleging that a child has been abused or neglected, the Juvenile Court is required to appoint an individual to serve as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) or Guardian Ad Litem (GAL).

The role of the CASA or GAL is to represent the best interest of the child by making independent observations of the child’s situation and submitting a written report to the court. Volunteers are asked to commit to the program for a minimum of 18 months.

CASA VOLUNTEER APPLICATION

Neighborhood Accountability Board

Diversion involves the handling of juvenile offenses within the community as an alternative to the formal Juvenile Court system. Three Diversion Boards are located geographically in the city and county and process cases referred from their area.

The goal of the program is to hold the youth accountable for their behavior. Diversion Board members are asked to make a minimum commitment of one year, which involves meeting twice a month.



Detention Visitation Program


Some youth in detention are not visited by their parents. The Detention Visitation Program goal is to provide positive adult role models from diverse cultural backgrounds for youth, in hopes of increasing their options in life by support and encouragement, in order that they become successful community members.

A 6 month commitment is requested of visitation volunteers.


Student Interns


There are a variety of intern opportunities within the Juvenile Court System including placements in the Alternative Resolution Training Program, Electronic Monitoring, Becca, and Diversion programs.

Students participating in our internship programs for longer periods of time benefit by developing and refining a much improved set of skills and deeper understanding of the expectations and challenges presented in working with high risk youth.
  
Juvenile Court Volunteers and Interns attend orientation sessions and receive supervision and consultation from staff members. Volunteers draw upon their own experiences, understanding, and compassion in their various roles.

More Information


For more information on intern opportunities, please contact us at 509-477-2420 or by email.

By working together, we can continue to build strong programs that provide a meaningful way to become involved in the difficult task of helping people to help themselves.