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You can make a world of difference
in the life of a child.
Citizens Review is a volunteer organization
that enables the citizens of Manatee County to make
a difference in the lives of our children. The members
of the Citizens Review Panels review cases of children
who are placed in out-of-home or foster care by the
Court. It is the goal of the Citizens Review to assure
that Manatee County's dependent children find a safe,
stable, and permanent home as soon as possible.
ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Volunteer panel members meet on the same day each
month, for half a day, to review the cases of dependent
children.
- Panels take testimony from the children, caseworkers,
parents, foster parents, Guardians Ad Litem and others.
- Panel members determine if the children's physical,
emotional, and educational needs are met, if the children
are in a safe environment, and if the parents are working
to correct the abuse or neglect that required the removal
of the children.
- Panel members then make recommendations to the Court
based on their findings from the information presented
at the review.
- Panels hold all agencies and parties responsible for
performing tasks approved by the Court.
VOLUNTEER INFORMATION
How to become a volunteer
-
Complete the printable application
- Provide three (3) personal references
- Successfully complete a background screening
- Complete an interview with program coordinator
- Attend all scheduled training sessions
- Observe a working Panel and Court hearings
Time commitments for Volunteers
- 30 hours of training and on-site panel observation
is required before a panel member may be sworn in.
- After training, panel members typically spend 2-4
hours reading information about the cases that they
are to review prior to holding the hearings.
- Each panel holds hearings 1/2 day per month.
- Volunteers are asked to commit to a two (2) year period
of service.
CITIZENS REVIEW CONTACT INFORMATION
| Phone Number |
941-741-4037 |
| Fax Number |
941-708-6010 |
| E-mail Program Coordinator |
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
"A citizen can do no service more lasting or meaningful
than to help our neglected children. As a member of the
Citizens Review, you will work to ensure a permanent home
for the most disadvantaged of our children. The results
of your work will be stronger children, and, finally,
a stronger community."
--Judge Scott Brownell
Juvenile Division Twelfth Judicial Circuit, State of Florida
"Our community, our children, and a program that
really works, thanks to volunteers like you. The children
need our help. The social agencies need our help and this
is a neat way to do it. Please consider giving your time
to help a child. Thanks."
--R.B. "Chips" Shore
Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller, Manatee County
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Page updated 03/18/2003 |
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