The primary goal of the court's volunteer program is to strengthen the court-community partnership and to enhance the public's confidence in the court system through direct participation of community members. The following guidelines help to facilitate this effort.
Court volunteers are:
- systematically screened to safeguard the integrity of the court;
- appointed by a Judge for a term of one to three years;
- trained through court orientation and program-specific instruction;
- supported by a designated program coordinator in the local court; and
- offered diverse, relevant continuing education opportunities to support their ongoing volunteer experience and personal growth.
Volunteer applicants should consider the following criteria:
- Commitment: Should have commitment to: 1) complete orientation and program-specific training; 2) volunteer for at least one year; and 3) comply with all applicable Judiciary policies including the Code of Conduct and Litigation Reporting Policy for Judiciary Volunteers.
-
Background Check: Adult applicants must agree to a criminal background check that will include fingerprinting. Youth volunteer applicants are not subject to a criminal background check. Parental consent is required for the Judiciary's consideration of a juvenile for a volunteer position and allows for the review of juvenile records maintained by the New Jersey Judiciary.
All data reviewed will be kept in strict confidence except to inform the applicant of what action will be taken as a result of this information. NOTE: A criminal history record does not necessarily disqualify one from becoming a court volunteer. The nature and gravity of any offense will be carefully reviewed.
- Age: Must be at least 18 years old (with the exception of authorized youth participation on a Juvenile Conference Committee) and reside or work in the county in which you plan to volunteer.
- Citizenship: U.S. citizenship is not required. Candidates must be authorized to work according to U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services regulations.
- Skills: Should possess good communication and interpersonal skills; must be able to speak, read, and write English; bilingual skills may be helpful.