Becoming a Volunteer / Review Board Member

Duties

Review Board Members serve regularly on the Court Diversion citizen Review Boards. After reviewing the case summary and background investigation information, Review Board Members interview Diversion candidates by asking questions that will effectively elicit information as well as offer the candidate an opportunity to learn from the context of the questions. 

Review Board Members then vote whether to accept or reject each case for Diversion. Upon acceptance, the members collectively discuss and decide appropriate contract terms.

Qualifications

Prospective Board Members are required to observe at least two full Review Board Meetings and will be interviewed by the Program Director or designee. 

The expected level of commitment for Review Board Members is to serve once a month and attend periodic training sessions.

Review Board Members are encouraged to attend training sessions offered by the Program and to take advantage of other available training materials.

Knowledge and Skills

Respect for confidentiality is mandatory. 

Good interviewing and communication skills are useful.

Objectivity, common sense, compassion, concern, and a fair sense of justice are important characteristics of Court Diversion Review Board Members. 

Awareness of community resources within Chittenden County is very helpful.