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115 people are interested
CourtWatch Monitor
ORGANIZATION: KCSARC
Please visit the new page to apply.
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115 people are interested
Since 2010, KCSARC’s CourtWatch program has helped victims of sexual violence obtain access to justice in the King County Superior Court. Utilizing community volunteers who observe criminal and civil cases, and through research of public records, CourtWatch gathers and provides critical information to ensure that victims and their advocates better understand the legal process, assist judges in making decisions that are fair, impartial, and equitable, and inform legislation aimed at preventing and prosecuting sexual violence in King County.
Litigants deserve a justice system that is accessible, fair, and respectful. CourtWatch is a resource to identify opportunities for improvement, and to reinforce what is working well. It is an important partnership between the justice system and the community that it serves.
For victims of sexual violence, many of whom have never set foot in a courtroom before, navigating the legal system can be a terrifying, frustrating experience. But, as a CourtWatch Monitor, you can be their eyes and ears in the criminal justice system.
CourtWatch Monitors do what no one else does-observe the courts to ensure that victims are receiving the justice they need and deserve. If you feel strongly about justice or have an interest in criminal law, sociology, human rights, issues related to sexual violence, or our legal system, please consider volunteering as CourtWatch Monitor. You will receive a firsthand look at how the courts handle cases of sexual violence and child physical abuse, and play a vital role in improving the justice system
Volunteers observe court proceedings at the Maleng Regional Justice Center (RJC) in Kent and/or the King County Courthouse in Seattle. Volunteers can indicate their location preference on their applications. Volunteers are required to provide their own transportation to and from court. A monitoring shift lasts approximately 3.5 hours. Volunteers are expected to make a minimum six-month commitment to volunteer for one shift per month. Volunteers may commit to monitor for less than six months (e.g. semester or quarter) if they will be receiving academic credit; however, those volunteers will be expected to volunteer at least once per week. Volunteers who are selected are also expected to attend the CourtWatch orientation before they begin monitoring. Orientations take place three times per year, in January, May, and September.
Please visit http://www.kcsarc.org/courtwatch for more info and to download the current volunteer application packet.
More opportunities with KCSARC
No additional volunteer opportunities at this time.
About KCSARC
Location:
P.O. Box 300, Renton, WA 98055, US
Mission Statement
Since 1976, KCSARC has worked toward our vision of ending sexual violence in our community. Our purpose is to alleviate, as much as possible, the trauma of sexual assault for victims and their families. Our mission is to give voice to victims, their families and the community; create change in beliefs, attitudes and behaviors about violence; and instill courage for people to speak out about sexual assault.
Description
KSCARC provides comprehensive services, free of charge, to victims of sexual assault and their families. In 2009, 2828 adults and kids were provided services such as therapy, legal advocacy and parent education. Over 3,000 people participated in our education and prevention programs so that we can create a better, safer future for our children. Sexual assault knows no boundaries and affects people from all ethnic, cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.
Services include: our 24-hour Resource Line where trained staff provide crisis information, information and referrals to victims, their family and friends; Legal and Medical Advocacy to help navigate the legal and medical system by providing support, information and resources; and Individual and Group Therapyutilizing trauma-focused, evidence-based practices.
As over half of the victims KCSARC serves are children or teens, extensive work is done with non-offending parents/guardians to help children heal and prevent future sexual abuse. Child victims often have extreme shifts in their behavior and attitudes, which can be challenging for their families. KCSARC work very closely with the child's family and non-offending parent to assure a holistic approach to healing.
Vital to KCSARC's vision of ending the silence around sexual assault, community education and prevention efforts are a key focus. One study suggests that 89% of women who were sexually abused as children have children who become victims of sexual abuse as well. By investing in education, we have the opportunity to break a cycle that impacts thousands of families in our community.
CAUSE AREAS
WHEN
WHERE
200 Mill Ave SRenton, WA 98057
DATE POSTED
October 16, 2018
SKILLS
- Verbal / Written Communication
GOOD FOR
- People 55+
REQUIREMENTS
- Background Check
- Must be at least 18
- Orientation or Training