The Pima County Attorney’s Office is committed to reducing juvenile crime, but we can’t do it alone. County Attorney Barbara LaWall’s vision of partnering with local neighborhoods and empowering volunteers to become a strong voice in the justice system became a reality when the first Community Justice Board was created in May of 1998. Now located throughout Pima County, Community Justice Boards (CJBs) operate on the principles of balanced and restorative justice while primarily focusing on restoring the victim, juvenile accountability and building competencies for our youth and their families.

Be Our Partner in Community Protection A primary objective of the program is to partner with neighborhoods to increase public safety. Community members have an opportunity to take an active part in building a safe place to live. This is accomplished by participating in the Community Justice Board Program as a Board Member.

What It Takes To Get Involved We ask that each volunteer serve with the program for at least six months, and:

1. Complete the application and interview process.
2. Undergo fingerprinting and a background check.
3. Complete the training / orientation process.
4. Regularly participate in the Board process.
5. Set a positive example for youth and other community members

The goals of the program include:

1. Teaching offenders that their actions have caused harm and created an obligation to the victim and the community.
2. Creating the opportunity for the victim and community to express how they have been harmed by the juvenile’s actions.
3. Holding juveniles accountable by assigning consequences which help to repair the harm caused by their behavior.
4. Involving the juveniles in programs and activities that increase their ability to make positive life choices.

Types of Crime AddressedThe Boards work with juveniles between ages 8 and 17 who have been arrested for minor crimes such as:

1. Criminal Trespass
2. Property Damage
3. Simple Assault
4. Disturbing the peace
5. Truancy
6. Shoplifting
7. Possession of Alcohol or Illegal Substances
8. Graffiti

Restoring Justice in the CommunityThe Board has many options to restore justice for the victims, including:

1. Restitution to the Victim
2. Educational and Career Programs
3. Community Service
4. Letters of Apology
5. Other Creative Measures Determined by the Board
6. Behavior Modification
7. Accountability

“We strive to restore the well-being of youth who have made inappropriate choices. By assigning consequences we create an awareness in youth to be accountable to the victim and community to promote their personal success.”  Barbara LaWall.

If you are interested in serving on a Community Justice Board, which is conducted at the Santa Catalina Parish on a Tuesday evening, please contact parishioner, Mike Bubla at 825.0500.