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Introduction


Since 1997, Manatee County Citizens Review's volunteers have reviewed cases of abused, neglected, and abandoned children.  Panels, comprised of community volunteers, review cases to ensure the children's physical, emotional, and educational needs are met, hold all parties accountable, and ensure that children are in safe, stable, and permanent homes; all in accordance with Florida law.

As a panel, community volunteers review court records and take testimony during Judicial Review hearings. After deliberating, the Panel submits its recommendations and proposed order to the Judge for approval. When the Judge approves the recommendations and signs the proposed order, all parties are required to comply.

Volunteer Information

Roles and Responsibilities

  • For ½ a day each month, panel members meet to review cases of dependent children. View Citizens Review calendar.
  • During the review, panels ask questions and take testimony from the children, parents, foster parents, caseworkers, Guardian ad Litem, and others.
  • Panel members determine if the children are safely placed and if their physical, emotional, educational needs are being met and if the parents are working to resolve the issues that led to the children's removal.
  • Panels hold all parties accountable for performing the tasks approved by the Court.
  • Panel members then make recommendations to the Juvenile Court Judge based on their findings.

How to become a Panel Volunteer

  • Complete and return the application
  • Successfully complete a background screening
  • Complete an interview with the program Supervisor.
  • Attend all scheduled training
  • Observe a working Panel and observe Juvenile Dependency Court
  • Be sworn-in to service by the Judge

Time Commitments and Training

  • Each Panel holds Judicial Review hearings ½ day each month
  • Each month, panel members typically spend 2-4 hours reading case information prior to the review
  • Volunteers are asked to commit to a two (2) year period of service
  • 24 hours of initial training and on-site observation is required
  • Six (6) hours of ongoing training is required annually. The Program provides training opportunities.

Contact Information

Phone Number: (941) 741-4037
E-mail: Julie Wanbaugh Program Supervisor
View Frequently asked Questions

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