Juvenile Justice Commission

The Napa Superior Court is accepting applications for youth and adult commissioners for appointment to the Napa County Juvenile Justice Commission.

The Juvenile Justice Commission is a state-mandated commission consisting of both adult members and student members from high schools in Napa County.  Members of the Commission are appointed by the Presiding Judge of the Napa Superior Court.

The Juvenile Justice Commission consists of a minimum of seven and no more than 15 community volunteers.  At least two of the members are required to be persons between 14 and 21 years of age, provided there are suitable applicants.  Adult members serve four-year terms and may apply for reappointment.  Youth members serve one two-year term.

The Juvenile Justice Commission provides a valuable annual inspection and review of operations of Juvenile Hall and other juvenile detention facilities in Napa County; examines programs and policies for youth involved in the juvenile justice system; investigates citizen complaints regarding treatment of children in the system; and advocates for needed services.

 Although no specialized professional background or experience is required, discretion and integrity are required in the conduct of Commission business.

 The Commission holds one meeting per month and issues an annual report at the end of the calendar year.

 Individuals interested in becoming a Juvenile Justice Commission member should contact the Napa Superior Court Executive Office at (707) 299-1110 for more information.  Apply for the Juvenile Justice Commission by completing and submitting an application.  Applications will be accepted until the vacancies are filled.

Leave a message for the Juvenile Justice Commission at (707) 253-4394

Correspondence may be sent to:
Juvenile Justice Commission
c/o Napa County Juvenile Probation
212 Walnut Street
Napa, CA 94559

Attend a meeting:
5:30 pm to 6:30 pm, fourth Wednesday of each month
Juvenile Justice Center
Inner Office Conference Room, first floor
212 Walnut Street
Napa, CA 94559

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Juvenile Justice Commission?

The Juvenile Justice Commission is a state-mandated commission consisting of both adult members and student members (between 14 and 21 years of age) from high schools in Napa County. Members of the Commission are appointed by the Presiding Judge of the Napa Superior Court.

What are the Responsibilities?

Within its statutory duty, the Commission's responsibilities include:

• Inspecting detention facilities used for the placement of any minor under the supervision of the Juvenile Court of Napa County.
• Investigating programs, policies, and procedures for these youth.
• Conducting public or closed hearings on matters relating to juvenile law in the county.
• Advocating for needed services for youth in the juvenile justice system.
• Providing an opportunity for the public to present oral petitions and public comments concerning juvenile justice at monthly meetings.

How can the Juvenile Justice Commission help you?

The Commission investigates complaints from youth, parents, and guardians. The Juvenile Justice Commission does not have access to staff personnel records. The Commission cannot use its position to influence the Court on behalf of any minor.

What is an Oath of Confidentiality?

At the time of being sworn as Commissioner by the Judge, each Commissioner signs an Oath of Confidentiality. The oath states that Commissioners will keep Juvenile Justice Commission matters, juvenile records, cases observed, investigation specifics, and inspection reports confidential prior to their approval and release. Commissioners use the authority of the Juvenile Justice Commission only in the interest of the youth of the County, using discretion, diligence, and integrity in the conduct of Commission business.

How are members of the Juvenile Justice Commission appointed?

The Presiding Judge of the Superior Court appoints them with the concurrence of the Supervising Judge of the Juvenile Court. Youth members are between 14 and 21 years of age. Adult members serve four-year terms and may apply for reappointment. Youth members are asked to make a minimum one-year commitment. All adult and youth Commissioners are community volunteers.

Is the Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council the same as the Juvenile Justice Commission?

No. The Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council is an advisory council to the Chief Probation Officer, and its primary role is to provide feedback to the Chief Probation Officer on the use of state funding for juvenile services. The Council meets quarterly to review current juvenile plans, updates, and changes. Members of the Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council are appointed by the Board of Supervisors. For more information about the Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council, go to the Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council's web site.