BRADENTON -- The Manatee County Citizen Review Program is a private, not-for-profit program that is composed of concerned citizens from Manatee County who are authorized by the Chief Judge of the 12th Judicial Circuit and the Juvenile Courts to review cases of abused, abandoned, and neglected children in Manatee County.
The Program is currently seeking volunteers to serve on the review board. Review board members are trained to evaluate the cases of children who have been removed from the home and make recommendations to the judge assigned to the case. There are no special background requirements for volunteers.
Program supervisor, Juliet Wanbaugh does caution that some people have a difficult time reviewing some of the cases.
"You read some pretty hard stuff about what has happened to these kids and not everyone has the stomach for that, but it's a chance to make a difference in their life."
Once trained, volunteers get their case information in advance. They learn the background of the child and family, and read the case manager's findings. During the review panel, they take question and take testimony from the relevant parties before deciding on a recommendation. The recommended order is then submitted to the judge who issues the final order. For more information or to volunteer, please contact Juliet Wanbaugh at (941)741-4037.
Training sessions will be held at the Manatee Village Historical Park located at 1404 Manatee Avenue East, Bradenton, FL 34208. For more information visit:
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