Adolescents & Young Adults, Children & Teens, Families

Justice Impacted Family Engagement Advocate

The Justice Impacted Family Engagement Advocate Program is a free program that provides short- or long-term case management and support services to at risk youth and their families living in Salem County that are currently involved in the legal justice system. This program focuses on setting goals with youth and connecting them to community resources to prevent future involvement with the legal justice system.

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We’re here to help with:

  • Justice & Legal Involvement

    Supporting you as you navigate the legal system and pursue justice. 

  • Community Resources

    Connecting you to important resources to guide you through your wellness journey. 

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Justice Impacted Family Engagement Advocate Program, you must be referred by family court or probation. 

What to Expect 

  • Reaching Out

    Your child and family will be referred to the Justice Impacted Family Engagement Advocate Program by the court or probation. 

  • Arranging Services 

    Generally, the first meeting with a case manager takes place in court. Your child and a case manager will discuss goals and ensure your child fully understands the court process. Biweekly sessions are provided in person and last about an hour.  

  • Moving Forward with Care

    Each case is assessed individually, with support typically continuing until the youth’s case is adjudicated. 

FAQs

How often will I meet with a caseworker? 

Meetings take place once every 2 weeks for about an hour. 

How long can my child be in the program? 

Your child can receive services while awaiting adjudication or during probation. 

How much does the Justice Impacted Family Engagement Advocate program cost? 

The Justice Impacted Family Engagement Advocate program is free. 

How do you quality for the Justice Impacted Family Engagement Advocate program?

To be eligible for Justice Impacted Family Engagement Advocate services you must be referred by family court or probation.

What is the role of the Justice Impacted Family Engagement Advocate?

The Justice Impacted Family Engagement Advocate works with youth and families involved in the juvenile justice system. Through regular meetings and ongoing support, advocates help youth understand the court process, identify goals, and navigate court-related requirements while maintaining communication with families and involved partners.

Will parents or caregivers be involved in services?

Yes. Family involvement is an important part of the program. Advocates work with both youth and their families to help ensure everyone understands the court process, program expectations, and available supports. The goal is to help families stay informed and engaged throughout their child’s involvement with the juvenile justice system.

What can my child expect during the first meeting?

The first meeting typically takes place in court and provides an opportunity for the youth and advocate to get to know one another. During this meeting, the advocate will discuss the program, review goals, answer questions, and help the youth better understand the court process and what to expect moving forward.

What goals will my child work on during the program?

Goals are determined based on each youth’s individual needs and circumstances. During meetings with the Justice Impacted Family Engagement Advocate, youth will discuss their situation, review court-related expectations, and identify goals that support their successful participation in the program while their case is being resolved.