- Ombudsman Directory, Name Address Contact Administrative Office of the Courts Black, Jennifer Ombudsman Administrative Office of the Courts Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex 25 Market Street Floor 6th Trenton, New Jersey 08625 Phone: 609-815-2900 ext. 51884 Email: SCCOOmbudsman.mailbox @njcourts.gov Administrative Office of the Courts Hart, Maurice Ombudsman Probation Administrative Office of the Courts 171 Jersey Street 171 Jersey Street Trenton, New Jersey 08611 Phone: 609-815-3810 ext. 16357 Email: ProbationHelp.Mailbox @njcourts.gov Atlantic/Cape May Brooks, Dominique Ombudsman Atlantic/Cape May Atlantic County Civil Courts Building 1201 Bacharach Blvd. Floor 1 Atlantic City, New Jersey 08401 Phone: 609-402-0100 ext. 47230 Email: Atlcapehelp.mailbox @njcourts.gov Bergen Shea, Joy Ombudsman Bergen Bergen County Justice Center 10 Main Street Suite/Room 125 Hackensack, New Jersey 07601 Phone: 201-221-0700 ext. 25103 Email: BergenHelp.Mailbox @njcourts.gov Burlington Phillips, Natonya Ombudsman Burlington Burlington County Court Facility 49 Rancocas Road Floor 1 Mount Holly, New Jersey 08060 Phone: 609-288-9500 ext. 38118 Email: BurlingtonHelp.Mailbox @njcourts.gov Camden Townsend-Mobley, Tenicha Ombudsman Camden Camden County Hall of Justice 101 South 5th Street Suite/Room 110B Camden, New Jersey 08103 Phone: 856-650-9100 ext. 43090 Email: CamdenHelp.Mailbox @njcourts.gov Cumberland/Gloucester/Salem Cardwell, Vanessa Ombudsman Cumberland/Gloucester/Salem Cumberland County Courthouse 60 West Broad Street Bridgeton, New Jersey 08302 Phone: 856-878-5050 ext. 15159 Email: CumGloSalHelp.Mailbox @njcourts.gov Pagination 1 Go to page 2 2 Go to next page > Next page Showing 1 to 20 of 36 items
- Jury Reforms and Attorney-Conducted Voir Dire Pilot Program, As authorized by the New Jersey Supreme Court, the Judiciary is reforming jury processes. Through these reforms, the Court seeks to broaden participation in jury service and reduce the effects of discrimination and bias in jury selection. Many of the jury reforms apply to all civil and criminal jury trials as of Sept. 1, 2022. Certain additional reforms for now apply only to criminal matters in three counties -- Bergen, Camden, and Middlesex -- that will be testing a new approach to jury selection known as Attorney-Conducted Voir Dire (ACVD). Body, Statewide Jury Reforms, This document highlights statewide jury process reforms statewide jury process reforms effective Sept. 1, 2022. Those reforms include strategies to support jurors in recognizing and interrupting the effects of potential biases and amendments to Court Rules applicable in all jury trials Strategies to Interrupt Implicit Bias The court will show a Juror Impartiality Video Juror Impartiality Video to jurors to raise awareness and improve understanding of implicit bias. The video educates jurors about how to avoid the effects of bias when making decisions. Judges in all trials will use enhanced instructions that include additional guidance to jurors about their responsibility to decide the case based on the facts and evidence, rather than any preconceived ideas about the parties. See the Notice – Jury Reforms – Updates to Model Civil and Criminal Jury Charges to Provide Additional Information and Guidance Regarding Implicit Bias. Aug. 25, 2022 notice for the full text of the updated jury charges. Judges will ask jurors the following two new voir dire questions about implicit bias: Question 1: In the juror orientation video and my introductory remarks, the concept of implicit bias was defined and discussed. In light of that information, do you think you will be able to decide the case fairly and impartially? Please explain. Question 2: Some of the witnesses, parties, lawyers, jurors, or other people involved with this case may have personal characteristics (such as their race, ethnicity, or religion) or backgrounds different from yours, or they may be similar to yours. Would those differences or similarities make it difficult for you to decide this case impartially based solely on the evidence and the law? Please explain. Amendments to the Rules of Court Three Court Rules are amended effective Sept. 1, 2022. As amended: Rule 1:8-3 provides for a clear and liberal standard for challenges for cause. Rule 1:8-5 provides for sharing more information about prospective jurors with attorneys. Rule 1:38-5 clarifies the confidentiality of certain types of juror records. For further information, see the Court’s Order Amending Rules 1:8:3 July 12, 2022 Order. The Court has also adopted new Rule 1:8-3A (“Reduction of Bias in the Exercise of Peremptory Challenges”), which is effective for cases in the ACVD pilot program as of September 2022 and effective statewide as of January 1, 2023. This document sets out the content of Rule 1:8-3A new Rule 1:8-3A with additional background information and key takeaways for judges and attorneys., Attorney-Conducted Voir Dire (ACVD), The Supreme Court has authorized a pilot program to explore attorney-conducted -- rather than judge-led -- voir dire. The program is available for criminal cases in Bergen, Camden, and Middlesex counties starting Sept. 1, 2022. See the Court’s Attorney-Conducted Voir Dire ACVD July 12, 2022 Order . For an introduction to ACVD and an overview of the pilot program, see this document that includes video illustrations of the key phases of the ACVD process video illustrations of the key phases of the ACVD process . The ACVD model proposed for New Jersey will involve the use of case-specific written questionnaires. Jurors will complete those questionnaires electronically, with their responses compiled and provided for review by counsel and the court before the start of oral questioning. This document explains the Electronic questionnaire process electronic questionnaire process , with videos showing how questionnaires will be customized and how attorneys will receive and review juror responses. This Word version of the Supreme Court-approved consent and waiver form consent and waiver form will be entered for each case that opts into the pilot program. To support cases in the ACVD pilot program, the Judiciary has developed template notices and forms, which we are continuing to review and improve with input from stakeholders in the pilot counties. These optional forms are available in customizable Word format for attorneys in ACVD cases:. This template Notice of Hearing on Participation :ACVD Pilot Program and Case Conference notice of hearing includes a copy of an AVCD - Updated Template updated short-form questionnaire and guidance for attorneys to develop and modify case-specific questions. This model trial order on ACVD process trial order on ACVD process would be customized and entered after the case conference., Additional Information on Jury Reforms, The statewide jury reforms follow through on State v. Andujar , 247 N.J. 275, 318 (2021) in which the Supreme Court called for a Judicial Conference to examine New Jersey’s jury selection processes and recommend improvements designed to broaden participation and representativeness and reduce the effects of purposeful discrimination and all types of bias. Information on that November 2021 Conference is available on this Judicial Conference on Jury Selection webpage . See this Notice – Jury Reforms – Supreme Court Action: (1) Administrative Determinations on the Report and Recommendations of the Committee of the Judicial Conference on Jury Selection; (2) Amendments to the Rules of Court; and (3) Authorization of a Pilot July 12, 2022 notice for the Court’s Administrative Determinations on the 25 recommendations of the Judicial Conference Committee. The Judiciary is in the process of implementing other parts of the Court’s action, including through the collection of voluntary juror demographic information. See this Notice - Collection of Voluntary Juror Demographic Information - Initial Implementation in Bergen, Camden, and Middlesex Counties July 14, 2022 notice about the first phase of that data collection. Nearly all COVID-19 related adjustments to jury operations have concluded as of Sept. 1, 2022. See the Court’s Notice and Order - Conclusion of Mandatory Social Distancing and Masking in Jury Proceedings; Adjustments to Virtual Phase of Jury Selection - Effective September 1, 2022 Aug. 24, 2022 Order . The Supreme Court has authorized expanded availability of aggregate juror demographic information. See the March 28, 2023 notice .
- Copies of Court Records, Request court records for closed cases by completing and submitting a records request form. Body, How to Request Court Records, These court records are available for public inspection. All exceptions are listed in Rule 1:38 Court Rule 1:38 . Civil division, including general equity records Special civil part records Criminal division records Family division Records Municipal court Records Tax Court Records (Note: Tax Court Record Requests should be emailed to the txctrecords.mailbox@njcourts.gov ) Complete the records request form and submit it electronically. This request system is for court records only. To get a Requesting a Superior Court or Tax Court Transcript for Your Appeal transcript of a court proceeding , contact the Appellate Division. Download Request Form Submit Completed Form Instructions: Download the form and save it to your computer. Complete the form and save it again. Include the correct processing location from the information below. Use “, SCCO, ” for records processed by the Superior Court Clerk’s Office. Submit the saved form using the “Submit Completed Form” button above. Records will be sent electronically to the email address you provide on the form. Fees for certified, exemplified, and sealed copies can be paid by credit card., Processing Locations, Open Cases For open cases in: Civil Division including Chancery General Equity Records Special Civil Part Records Criminal Division Records Family Division Records The division is the county Superior Court where the case was heard. You will be asked to choose one of these divisions on the form. Choose the division, and then the county. For open cases in: Statewide judgment lien records Foreclosure case records The division is the Superior Court Clerk's Office (SCCO). Choose SCCO as the division, and then the county. Please be advised when requesting divorce documents, those documents will only be released to a party to the case or the attorney of record. If the party is requesting they must include a valid state id. Anyone else must provide a court order directing the clerk to release the documents. For questions regarding submitted records requests, email SCCO.Mailbox@njcourts.gov Closed Records For closed cases in: Civil Cases including Chancery General Equity until archived Criminal Cases Divorce Cases until archived Family Cases (except divorce cases) Special Civil Part Cases The division is the Superior Court Clerk's Office (SCCO). Closed Archived Records For these archived records: Case Files Civil Cases (archived) Divorce Records Divorce Cases (archived) Foreclosure Cases (all) General Equity Cases (archived) Judgment Records Statewide judgment liens Satisfaction of statewide judgment liens The division is the Superior Court Clerk's Office (SCCO). Choose SCCO even if the record is a civil, divorce, or general equity record. Please be advised when requesting divorce documents, those documents will only be released to a party to the case or the attorney of record. If the party is requesting they must include a valid state id. Anyone else must provide a court order directing the clerk to release the documents. For questions regarding submitted records requests, email SCCORecordReq.Mailbox@njcourts.gov . Refer to the Judiciary Records Management Judiciary Records Retention Schedule to see how long the Judiciary keeps each type of court record. This will let you determine if the judiciary has the record., Types of Copies and Court Authentication, Plain Copy, : A plain copy is a photocopy of the court document., Certified Copy, : A certified copy is a plain copy with a stamp affixed with the Superior Court Clerk/Deputy Clerk's signature attesting to the authenticity of the document., Seal of the Court, : The seal of the Superior Court may be affixed to a certified copy., Exemplified Copy, : An exemplified copy includes the attestation of the clerk and seal of the court annexed, if a seal exists, together with a certificate of a judge of the court that the said attestation is in proper form. An exemplified copy is usually requested when the document shall be proved or admitted in other courts within the United States and its Territories and Possessions., Triple Exemplified Copy, : A triple exemplified copy contains an additional certification in which the judge certifies as to the form of the attestation in the verification and the authority of the Clerk of the Court who signed the exemplification, and the Clerk certifies as to the authority of the judge., Apostille, : An Apostille is provided attesting to the legal status of selected public officials, such as Judges, Clerks of Court and County Clerks. It is provided if the transaction involves a country that subscribes to the Hague Treaty and is processed through the New Jersey Division of Revenue New Jersey Division of Revenue . A requester must first receive the exemplified copy from the Superior Court Clerk's Office and forward to the Division of Revenue., NOTE, : We will need time and staff to find your records. Records stored off-site might take longer to retrieve. Some requests will be sent to local management for handling. This includes very large requests. It also includes requests to receive records on a regular basis. Judiciary staff must balance the need for public access and the Judiciary’s need for efficient court operations. They will work with you to come up with a reasonable timeframe for your request., Locating Divorce Records, In New Jersey, divorce cases (termed "dissolution cases" by the courts) are filed and heard in the Family Division of the Superior Court at the county court level. After a case is completed and a judgment of divorce issued, the case is closed. Records for closed divorce cases are stored and archived by the Superior Court Clerk's Office at our warehouse in Trenton. The number of years between the time a case is closed and the time the case records are transferred to the Superior Court Clerk’s Office for archiving varies from county to county. In many circumstances it may not be necessary to obtain a copy of the actual Judgment of Divorce. The Superior Court Clerk’s Office can prepare a Certificate of Divorce for a nominal fee. The certificate contains the county of venue, docket number, names of the parties and date of the Final Judgment of Divorce, and is stamped with the Seal of the Superior Court. The Dissolution Files Inventory chart below shows the inventory of divorce case files currently stored at the RIC. The "Case Year" refers to the most recent docket year sent for storage at the RIC. This means that all divorce records up to and including the year listed under "Case Year" are available at the RIC. To determine whether your case file is located at the RIC you must know both the county in which the divorce case took place and the year the case was filed. This information can be determined from the docket number assigned to the case. The docket number will have either an "FM" or "M" pre-fix followed by a 7- or 9-digit number. The last two digits of the docket number indicate the case year. See the following for examples of docket numbers: Example 1: "FM-01-07500-00" would mean that the divorce case was filed in Atlantic County ("01") in the year 2000 ("00"). (Please note, when the docket number contains 9 digits, the first two digits may represent the county code. The two-digit county codes are listed on the chart below after the name of each county.) Example 2: "Atlantic County, M-07500-85" would mean that the divorce case was filed in Atlantic County in 1985 ("85")., NOTE, : If you do not know your docket number, please contact the Customer Service Unit of , Superior Court Clerk's Office, at 609-421-6100 . A search can be conducted for your docket number if you provide the following information: the county where the divorce occurred, the approximate year the divorce occurred, and the names of the parties involved. Using the case docket number, find the county where the divorce case took place and the corresponding case year in the chart below. If your divorce case falls within the records listed in the chart, contact Customer Service about viewing your case or to obtain copies of case documents. Refer to our information on Copies of Court Records Copies of Court Records and subsequent authentication and/or Copy and Authentication Fees copy fees . If your divorce case file is not at the RIC in Trenton, contact the Family Division Manager Conference Contact List Family Division of the county court in which the divorce took place for information on how to obtain a copy., (FM) Dissolution Files Inventory, County Number, County, Case Year, 01 Atlantic 2012 02 Bergen 2015 03 Burlington 2014 04 Camden 2021 05 Cape May 2011 06 Cumberland 2008 07 Essex 2019 08 Gloucester 2016 09 Hudson 2015 10 Hunterdon 2013 11 Mercer 2023 12 Middlesex 2016 13 Monmouth 2009 14 Morris 2017 15 Ocean 2011 16 Passaic 2009 17 Salem 2015 18 Somerset 2014 19 Sussex 2014 20 Union 2015 21 Warren 2016* * FM – 1989 Boxes (1&2) lost in Transit by Contract Messenger Last Updated: 3/8/24, SM, Locating Adoption Records, Adoption records are not public records in the State of New Jersey. Refer to N.J. Rules of Court Court , Rule 1:38-3(16), . All judgments of adoption and all records of proceedings relating to adoption are sealed, which means that they are not open to inspection, copying or otherwise made public except upon order of the court. (N.J.S.A. §9:3-51 and 52.) The Surrogate’s Court in each county enters judgments of adoption, places adoption records under seal and maintains these records. In order for an adoption record to be opened, an order must be obtained from a judge of the Superior Court of New Jersey, Chancery Division, Family Part. This usually involves filing a notarized petition with the Surrogate and paying the required fees; however procedures may vary depending on the county in which the request is being made. To obtain specific information on filing procedures for obtaining adoption records, contact the NJ Surrogate’s Office Surrogate’s Office in the county in which you believe the adoption took place. The Surrogate’s Office can advise you on the necessary procedures and filing fees in connection with petitioning the court to open adoption records., Copy and Authentication Fees, Plain Copies: Letter size pages $0.05 Legal size pages $0.07 Certified Copy $15 Seal of the Court $10 Exemplified Copy: plus the plain copy fees $50 Triple Exemplified Copy $60 Certificate of Statewide Judgment Lien $10 Certificate of Divorce $10 Certified Copy of Final Judgment of Divorce $25, *NOTE:, When requesting copies of judgments of divorce, the terms of property settlement agreements are not always contained within or attached to the judgment. Additional copy fees may apply to a property settlement agreement that is not contained within the judgment of divorce., Methods of Payment for Copy Fees, Payment for fees is accepted in the form of check and money order; cash is only accepted in person only. Checks/money orders must be payable to Treasurer-State of New Jersey . , NOTE, : Only checks with pre-printed names will be accepted. Attorneys may use their Superior Court Attorney Collateral Account to pay for copies. Since for plain copies the copy fee is based on the number of pages, we cannot determine the exact fee for copies until the request is processed. Please ensure that you provide a daytime telephone number on your copy request form so that we can inform you of the copy fee for your request., How to Request Copies of Court Records, Please complete a Records Request Form (Multipurpose form - use for Tax Court records requests) Records Request Form and submit through the Judiciary Electronic Document Submission (JEDS) Judiciary Electronic Document system . Choose “SCCO” as your division. If you do not have access to a computer, you can mail your request to. Attention: Customer Access, Superior Court Clerk's Office, Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex P.O. Box 971 Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0971 For additional information on how to obtain copies of records, contact customer service at 609-421-6100, Record Retention Schedule, Judiciary Records Retention Schedules have been issued pursuant to Administrative Directive #3-01 - Records Management Administrative Directive #3-01 and subsequent related directives. Below are links to each section of the Records Retention Schedule in Adobe Acrobat .PDF format. In order to view or print each section, you will need to download and install Download Adobe Acrobat Reader Adobe Acrobat Reader , which is available free of charge. A set of free tools that allow visually disabled users to read documents in Adobe PDF format is available at Adobe Accessibility Access.adobe.com . , Section I, Records Retention Schedules, #01 Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity #02 Appellate Division - Judiciary Records Management Appellate Division #03 Chancery Division - Family Chancery Division - Family #04 Chancery Division - General Equity Chancery Division - General Equity #05 Civil Practice (AOC) Civil Practice (AOC) #06 Clients' Security Fund Clients' Security Fund #07 Court Reporting Court Reporting #08 Criminal Practice (AOC) Criminal Practice (AOC) #09 Disciplinary Review Board Disciplinary Review Board #10 Facilities Management Facilities Management #11 Financial Records Financial Records #12 Human Resources Human Resources #13 Judicial Education Judicial Education #14 Judicial Performance Judicial Performance #15 Jury Management - Judiciary Records Management Jury Management #16 Jury Utilization & Management (AOC) Jury Utilization & Management (AOC) #17 Law Division - Civil Part Law Division - Civil Part #18 Law Division - Criminal Part Law Division - Criminal Part #19 Law Division - Special Civil Part Law Division - Special Civil Part #20 Legal Counsel to the Administrative Director Legal Counsel to the Administrative Director #21 Municipal Court Services Municipal Court Services #22 Municipal Courts - Judiciary Records Management Municipal Courts #23 Office of Attorney Ethics - Judiciary Records Management Office of Attorney Ethics #24 Office Services Office Services #25 Organizational Development and Training Unit Organizational Development and Training Unit #26 Payroll Records Payroll Records #27 Print Shop Print Shop #28 Probation Services (AOC) Probation Services (AOC) #29 Probation Services (Vicinages) Probation Services (Vicinages) #30 Professional Services Professional Services #31 Public Information Public Information #32 Purchase and Property Purchase and Property #33 Quantitative Research Quantitative Research #34 Superior Court Clerk's Office Superior Court Clerk's Office #35 Supreme Court - Judiciary Records Management Supreme Court #36 Surrogate Surrogate #37 Tax Court - Judiciary Records Management Tax Court #38 Trust & Special Funds Trust & Special Funds #39 Ombudsman - Judiciary Records Management Ombudsman #40 Judiciary Volunteer Programs Judiciary Volunteer Programs #41 Information Technology Office (ITO) Information Technology Office (ITO), Section II, Disposition of Records Disposition of Records, Section III, Standards for Microfilming Judiciary Records Standards for Microfilming Judiciary Records, Appendix I, Destruction Authorization Form Destruction Authorization Form, Appendix II, Microfilm Forms Microfilm Forms
- Equal Employment Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and Anti-Discrimination, Everyone who comes to court should be treated with respect. The New Jersey's Courts' Office of Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action (EEO/AA Office) addresses complaints of harassment and discrimination by or against court employees, court users, or others involved in the court process. The EEO/AA Office also works to maintain a diverse workforce. The EEO/AA Office cannot give legal advice The EEO/AA Office cannot interfere in a court case or a judge's decision The EEO/AA Office cannot change the judge assigned to your case, Send complaints for discrimination, To make a discrimination complaint, contact the statewide EEO/AA office or your local EEO/AA Office . You can also complete an EEO Complaint Form EEO complaint form and send it to EEOComplaint.mailbox@njcourts.gov , or mail it to: , Tonya Hopson, , Chief, Equal Employment Opportunity / Affirmative Action Officer, Administrative Office of the Courts, Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex 25 Market Street Trenton, New Jersey 08625, EEO/AA Frequently Asked Questions, Will my EEO complaint be kept confidential? The EEO/AA Office seeks to protect your privacy. However, during the EEO/AA process it may be necessary to discuss the complaint with others who may have relevant information. The Judiciary Policy Statement on EEO/AA and Anti-discrimination New Jersey Courts' Anti-Discrimination Policy Statement prohibits retaliation against anyone who reports discrimination. How do I make an EEO complaint against an attorney? Contact the Office of Attorney Ethics , OAE, by phone at 609-815-2924 ,or by email, oae.mbx@njcourts.gov . What if I have an EEO complaint against someone who does not work for the NJ Courts? Contact the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission at, 800-669-4000, and/or the NJ Division on Civil Rights at, 833-653-2748, ., More EEO/AA Information, The Judiciary Policy Statement on EEO/AA and Anti-discrimination New Jersey Courts' Anti-Discrimination Policy Statement explains discrimination protections. The New Jersey Courts' EEO/AA Master Plan New Jersey Courts' EEO/AA Master Plan outlines the responsibilities of all court employees for ensuring equal treatment by the court system. The New Jersey Courts' EEO Complaint Procedures Manual New Jersey Courts' EEO Complaint Procedures Manual outlines the steps followed when a discrimination complaint is made. Read the EEO Utilization Report Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Plan .
- Fair Treatment Contact Information by Vicinage, The Judiciary's anti-discrimination policy protects all court users, including litigants, attorneys, witnesses, jurors, volunteers, vendors and job applicants. Click on a county or court below to view fair treatment contact information for that county:, Concerned About Fair Treatment Flyer, EEO Fair Treatment Flyer (Atlantic/Cape May) Atlantic EEO Fair Treatment Flyer (Bergen) Bergen EEO Fair Treatment Flyer (Burlington) Burlington EEO Fair Treatment Flyer (Camden) Camden EEO Fair Treatment Flyer (Atlantic/Cape May) Cape May EEO Fair Treatment Flyer (Cumberland/Gloucester/Salem) Cumberland EEO Fair Treatment Flyer (Essex) Essex EEO Fair Treatment Flyer (Cumberland/Gloucester/Salem) Gloucester EEO Fair Treatment Flyer (Hudson) Hudson EEO Fair Treatment Flyer (Somerset/Hunterdon/Warren) Hunterdon ( Somerset/Hunterdon/Warren Fair Treatment - Spanish Spanish ) EEO Fair Treatment Flyer (Mercer) Mercer EEO Fair Treatment Flyer (Middlesex) Middlesex EEO Fair Treatment Flyer (Monmouth) Monmouth EEO Fair Treatment Flyer (Morris/Sussex) Morris EEO Fair Treatment Flyer (Ocean) Ocean EEO Fair Treatment Flyer (Passaic) Passaic EEO Fair Treatment Flyer (Cumberland/Gloucester/Salem) Salem EEO Fair Treatment Flyer (Somerset/Hunterdon/Warren) Somerset ( Somerset/Hunterdon/Warren Fair Treatment - Spanish Spanish ) EEO Fair Treatment Flyer (Morris/Sussex) Sussex EEO Fair Treatment Flyer (Union) Union EEO Fair Treatment Flyer (Somerset/Hunterdon/Warren) Warren ( Somerset/Hunterdon/Warren Fair Treatment - Spanish Spanish ) EEO Fair Treatment Flyer (Tax Court) Tax Court
- Bergen County Volunteer Information, Volunteer Information - Bergen County, Guidelines:, Read about the general guidelines for the Important Information for Prospective Court Volunteers, Important Information for Prospective Court Volunteers, Important Information for Prospective Court Volunteers volunteer program , that should be considered before submitting a volunteer application., Program Descriptions:, Click any of the program titles below to view the program description or view a Volunteer Programs - brochure statewide list of the court volunteer programs. Please note that the availability of programs varies by county based on the needs of the local court and the particular community. Child Placement Review Board (CPR) Court Appointed Special Advocate(CASA) Guardianship Monitoring Program (GMP) Actively Recruiting Juvenile Conference Committees (JCC) Municipal Court Mediation(MCM), How to Apply:, Print and complete the Volunteer Application volunteer application , which can be forwarded to the address shown below. Volunteer applications also may be sent electronically to the email address listed below in the Contact Us section. Bergen County Justice Center 10 Main Street Hackensack, New Jersey 07601 ATTN: Volunteer Services Liaison, Driving Directions: , Get directions to Bergen County courthouse driving directions Bergen County courthouse ., Contact Us:, Should you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to email or call the local volunteer services liaison using the contact information below. BerVolunteer.mailbox@njcourts.gov 201-221-0700 , ext. 25108, Regional Opportunities for Intensive Supervision Program (ISP) Screening Boards, Volunteers can be selected to help screen inmates for the Intensive Supervision Program. The program allows certain carefully selected state prison inmates the opportunity to work their way back into the community under close community supervision by specially trained probation officers. We are actively recruiting for all regions (Northern, Central, and Southern) with a special recruitment focus on the Southern Region. The majority of screening board panels meet virtually. However, in-person visits may also be required to some institutions. Southern Region volunteers will be required to visit South Woods State Prison located in Bridgeton, New Jersey to conduct screening board interviews. For more information about ISP Volunteer opportunities, please visit the link below: Intensive Supervision Program - Screening board Learn more about this volunteer opportunity.
- Court Appointed Special Advocate(CASA), The Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program is designed to help monitor abused and neglected children in out-of-home placements. CASA fulfills this mission by the careful recruitment, training and supervision of community volunteers who are then assigned to a child in the foster care system. The primary objective of CASA is to represent to the court the best interests of the abused and neglected child to whom he or she has been assigned. The court gives CASA investigative authority to examine all aspects of a child's case and to explore all viable avenues to achieve a stable home environment for that child. CASA becomes the child's voice in court. Program volunteers are required to complete mandatory program-specific training prior to appointment and in-service training thereafter. NOTE: The CASA program is managed by a separate, non-profit organization. If you are interested in finding out more about this program you can obtain the appropriate contact information from the CASA of New Jersey CASA of New Jersey website .
- Juvenile Conference Committees (JCC), The Juvenile Conference Committees (JCCs) serve under the authority of the Family Division of Superior Court. A JCC is a six to nine member citizen volunteer panel appointed by the Family Division Judge. In a confidential setting, JCC panels hear and decide matters involving alleged juvenile offenders. The juvenile, parent(s) and or guardian(s) and complainant/victim are invited to discuss the offense and related matters with the Committee. The JCC considers the facts, and makes recommendations to the judge for a resolution that would aid in the juvenile's rehabilitation. The program is designed to divert juveniles charged with first or second time minor offenses to their local JCC, which acts as a community-based arm of the Family Court. Program volunteers are required to complete mandatory program-specific training.
- Municipal Court Mediation(MCM), It is through the Municipal Courts that most citizens in the State interact with the judicial system, either as a complainant, a defendant, a victim, or a witness. The Municipal Court Mediation program provides court users in nearly all municipalities with an alternative to having certain cases heard and decided by a judge (traditional litigation). Endorsed by the New Jersey Supreme Court, Municipal Courts refer cases involving "minor disputes" to be handled through the mediation process. Mediation is a structured, non-adversarial process that allows a neutral third party to assist disputing parties in reaching a mutually acceptable solution. The mediation process can be a less expensive, informal, and a more meaningful alternative to the traditional trial process, largely because of the efforts of trained volunteers and the resolution being decided by the participants. Community members are recruited, carefully screened, trained, and appointed as court volunteers to mediate cases of minor dispute. Basic mediation and conciliation training (an 18-hour course) is required of all volunteers prior to appointment. As a neutral party, a mediator helps court users discuss the issues of their case and explore options to resolve the dispute themselves. The typical types of cases handled through the intervention of a trained mediator include, but are not limited to: simple assaults that do not include personal injury, trespass, harassment, creating a disturbance, animal or pet complaints, annoying phone calls, property disputes, non-payment of bills, bad checks, and criminal mischief. On average, volunteer mediators devote between two and six hours per month.
- Parenting Mediation (PME), Separation and divorce can dramatically affect the relationship between parents and their children. The quantity and quality of time that children spend with each parent is important to a healthy post-separation and post-divorce adjustment. Although the courts can determine a parenting plan, it is almost always best if the parents work together to agree on the details of the plan (i.e., schedule of the time children are to be in the care of each parent, parent's participation in education, health care, religious upbringing, decision making and financial support). Trained volunteers use mediation techniques to assist parents or guardians in developing the parenting plan, particularly in any family action in which the parties do not agree to a custody or parenting time/visitation arrangement.
- Special Civil Settlement (SCS), One party may sue another party to collect an amount of money up to $20,000 that they believe is owed to them. Trained volunteers assist the parties in attempting to resolve their dispute through their voluntary agreement.
- Supervised Visitation Program (SVP), The Supervised Visitation Program was established by legislation to provide a forum for children and non-custodial parents to develop or re-establish ongoing familial relationships in a safe environment. The program affords the non-custodial parent the opportunity to spend time with his/her child(ren) in a neutral setting without interference from the custodial parent or other interested parties. The program provides children the opportunity to establish a normal, healthy relationship with the non-custodial parent. Specially-trained volunteers and student interns oversee the visits to observe interaction between the child(ren) and parent/guardian and to maintain a safe environment., *If you are interested in applying to become a Supervised Visitation Program volunteer, please write Supervised Visitation Program in the other category on your volunteer application.*
- Landlord/Tenant Settlement (LTS), Specially trained volunteers conduct landlord/tenant settlement proceedings in which the parties appear before a neutral third party, a trained volunteer, who assists them in attempting to resolve their dispute by their voluntary agreement.
- Small Claims Settlement (SMCS), One party may sue another party to collect a small amount of money ($5000 or less for Return of Security Deposit) that they believe is owed to them. Trained volunteers assist the parties in attempting to resolve their dispute through their voluntary agreement.
- Courthouse Information Specialist (CIS), The Courthouse Information Specialist program allows members of the community to participate in greeting and directing court users. Under the direction of court staff, volunteers are equipped to answer questions and provide assistance both in person or by phone, serving as a central welcome/information center for the court complex or a specific division. Volunteers may also maintain and distribute informational brochures or relevant forms regarding court services as well as assist with tasks such as, but not limited to: data entry and look ups, filing, sorting and distributing mail, and making photocopies. Flexible volunteer schedules are available.
- Child Placement Review Board (CPR), The Child Placement Review (CPR) program is a key component of the court's role in the oversight of children in foster care. Groups of trained judicial volunteers, appointed by the assignment judge, assist the court in reviewing cases of children placed outside of their homes by the Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCP&P). A volunteer is assigned to a CPR Board, consisting of about 5 volunteers, to review these cases. CPR Boards conduct various reviews of children involved in "voluntary placement" cases. In such cases, DCP&P has placed a child out of his or her home pursuant to a voluntary agreement signed by the parent but there is no allegation of abuse or neglect and DCP&P has not filed a child abuse or neglect complaint case against the parent. In "litigated" cases, for which DCP&P has filed a child abuse or neglect complaint, a CPR Board conducts one review to determine the progress made by DCP&P in addressing the child's needs and any potential barriers to finding a safe, permanent home for the child. These litigated cases remain under the direct oversight of a judge. In all cases, CPR Boards draft case-specific recommendations for the consideration of a judge. At CPR Board meetings, held at designated court facilities on a scheduled basis, the Board may interact with DCP&P caseworkers or their supervisors, parents, foster parents, or other child welfare stakeholders. CPR volunteers complete court-sponsored initial training upon appointment in addition to annual continuing education programs dealing with current child welfare issues, ensuring their meaningful participation in the child placement review process. Integral to the New Jersey Child Placement Advisory Council (NJ CPAC) and its mission is the mandate to advise New Jersey’s three branches of government on the effectiveness of the Child Placement Review Act. Read the NJ CPAC Report NJ CPAC Annual Report. NJ CPAC also holds training workshops and events on topics that are appropriate and relevant for CPR board volunteers. A representative from each CPR Board statewide is selected annually to be a member of the New Jersey Child Placement Advisory Council (NJ CPAC). For more information about CPR and NJ CPAC, contact the NJ CPAC Coordinator at NJCPAC.Mbx@njcourts.gov .
- Courthouse Services Assistance (CSA), The Courthouse Service Assistance program is a platform to engage members of the community in the day-to-day administration of the court. Under the direction of a judge or other court staff, volunteers assist court personnel in performing a variety of tasks which facilitate case processing as well as customer service. Tasks may include, but are not limited to: directing and escorting litigants or jurors, data entry, filing, sorting and distributing mail, making photocopies, programmatic assistance, answering and making phone calls, and presenting paperwork to judges or court users.
- Courthouse Visitors Assistance (CVA), The Courthouse Visitors Assistance program allows members of the community to participate in greeting and directing court users (i.e., litigants, attorneys, visitors, etc.) to their proper destination. Under the direction of court staff, volunteers are equipped to answer questions and provide assistance both in person or by phone, serving as a central welcome/information center for the court complex or a specific division. Volunteers may also maintain and distribute informational brochures or relevant forms regarding court services as well as assist with tasks such as, but not limited to: data entry, filing, sorting and distributing mail, and making photocopies.
- Burlington County Volunteer Information, Volunteer Information - Burlington County, Guidelines:, Read about the general guidelines for the Important Information for Prospective Court Volunteers, Important Information for Prospective Court Volunteers, Important Information for Prospective Court Volunteers volunteer program , that should be considered before submitting a volunteer application., Program Descriptions:, Click any of the program titles below to view the program description or view a Volunteer Programs - brochure statewide list of the court volunteer programs. Please note that the availability of programs varies by county based on the needs of the local court and the particular community. Child Placement Review Board (CPR) Court Appointed Special Advocate(CASA) Juvenile Conference Committees (JCC) Municipal Court Mediation(MCM) Parenting Mediation (PME) Special Civil Settlement (SCS) Supervised Visitation Program (SVP) Landlord/Tenant Settlement (LTS) Small Claims Settlement (SMCS) Courthouse Information Specialist (CIS) Actively Recruiting, How to Apply:, Print and complete the Volunteer Application volunteer application , which can be forwarded to the address shown below. Volunteer applications also may be sent electronically to the email address listed below in the Contact Us section. Courts Facility 49 Rancocas Road Mount Holly, New Jersey 08060 ATTN: Volunteer Services Liaison, Driving Directions:, Get Directions to Burlington County courthouse driving directions Burlington courthouse ., Contact Us:, Should you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to email or call the local volunteer services liaison using the contact information below. BurVolunteer.Mailbox@njcourts.gov 609-288-9500 , ext. 38220, Regional Opportunities for Intensive Supervision Program (ISP) Screening Boards, Volunteers can be selected to help screen inmates for the Intensive Supervision Program. The program allows certain carefully selected state prison inmates the opportunity to work their way back into the community under close community supervision by specially trained probation officers. We are actively recruiting for all regions (Northern, Central, and Southern) with a special recruitment focus on the Southern Region. The majority of screening board panels meet virtually. However, in-person visits may also be required to some institutions. Southern Region volunteers will be required to visit South Woods State Prison located in Bridgeton, New Jersey to conduct screening board interviews. For more information about ISP Volunteer opportunities, please visit the link below: Intensive Supervision Program - Screening board Learn more about this volunteer opportunity.
- Camden County Volunteer Information, Volunteer Information - Camden County, Guidelines:, Read about the general guidelines for the Important Information for Prospective Court Volunteers, Important Information for Prospective Court Volunteers, Important Information for Prospective Court Volunteers volunteer program , that should be considered before submitting a volunteer application., Program Descriptions:, Click any of the program titles below to view the program description or view a Volunteer Programs - brochure statewide list of the court volunteer programs. Please note that the availability of programs varies by county based on the needs of the local court and the particular community. Child Placement Review Board (CPR) Court Appointed Special Advocate(CASA) Juvenile Conference Committees (JCC) Municipal Court Mediation(MCM), How to Apply:, Print and complete the Volunteer Application volunteer application , which can be forwarded to the address shown below. Volunteer applications also may be sent electronically to the email address listed below in the Contact Us section. Camden County Hall of Justice 101 South 5th Street Camden, New Jersey 08103 ATTN: Volunteer Services Liaison, Driving Directions:, Get directions to Camden County courthouse driving directions Camden County courthouse ., Contact Us:, Should you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to email or call the local volunteer services liaison using the contact information below. CamVolunteer.Mailbox@njcourts.gov 856-650-9100 , ext. 43120, Regional Opportunities for Intensive Supervision Program (ISP) Screening Boards, Volunteers can be selected to help screen inmates for the Intensive Supervision Program. The program allows certain carefully selected state prison inmates the opportunity to work their way back into the community under close community supervision by specially trained probation officers. We are actively recruiting for all regions (Northern, Central, and Southern) with a special recruitment focus on the Southern Region. The majority of screening board panels meet virtually. However, in-person visits may also be required to some institutions. Southern Region volunteers will be required to visit South Woods State Prison located in Bridgeton, New Jersey to conduct screening board interviews. For more information about ISP Volunteer opportunities, please visit the link below: Intensive Supervision Program - Screening board Learn more about this volunteer opportunity.