FAQs

What if my court chooses to implement the JDG independently?

The NCJFCJ applauds all efforts to implement the Juvenile Delinquency Guidelines, with or without the involvement of NCJFCJ. Independent efforts, however, do not realize the benefits associated with formal involvement in the project (i.e., training and technical assistance, site liaison, affiliation with a national leader in court reform, networking with other project sites, objective evaluation, etc.).

Who leads the Delinquency Model Court at each site?

Judicial leadership is the cornerstone of court reform. Typically, a “Lead Judge” spearheads the court improvement effort at each site. The Lead Judge can lead the process directly, co-lead with another Lead Judge, or designate one or more “Co-Lead Judge(s)” to lead the effort.

What is the difference between a Delinquency Model Court Site Liaison and a Delinquency Model Court Coordinator?

A Site Liaison is a NCJFCJ staff member assigned to work closely with the Delinquency Model Court. A Court Coordinator is a court staff (existing or hired) to manage the project day-to-day at each site. We strongly encourage courts to fund and hire a Model Court Coordinator as part of their involvement in the Delinquency Model Court Project.

How much time should the Lead Judge and/or Co-Lead Judge(s) plan to invest in the Delinquency Model Court Project / Juvenile Delinquency Guidelines implementation effort?

The Lead / Co-Lead Judge(s) are encouraged to delegate appropriate tasks to the Model Court Coordinator (local) and Site Liaison (NCJFCJ), and to empower designated team members and stakeholders to participate meaningfully in the court improvement effort. Even with delegation, however, the investment of time on the part of the involved judges is substantial.