Community Justice Boards

Barbara LaWall has established 10 separate neighborhood Community Justice Boards where neighborhoods hold juvenile offenders accountable to the victims of their offenses and to the communities in which they live.

This unique program was honored In September 2007 by the Volunteer Center and Southwest Gas with the “Right From the Start For Children” award for their outstanding and effective volunteer effort and for making a significant and important difference in our community.

The Pima County Attorney’s Community Justice Board Program volunteers received national recognition in 2006 with the Presidential Volunteer Service Gold Award for their service and demonstrated commitment to the youth of Pima County.

These 10 Community Justice Boards consist of community volunteers from a defined geographic area. They meet twice a month and conduct family conferences with the referred juvenile, his/her parent or guardian, and the victim. The family conference provides a forum for the juvenile to admit to the offense, accept responsibility, and gives the victim a voice. Board members assign the juvenile consequences such as restitution, community service, apology letters and attendance at educational programs designed to build competency and reduce truancy.