Address: 589 Low Gap Road, Ukiah, CA 95482
Phone: 707-467-8257
Email: JJDPC@co.mendocino.ca.us
mission statement
The mission and purpose of the Juvenile Justice Commission is to advocate for a quality system of care for involved juvenile offenders; and the Delinquency Prevention Commission is to promote the development of quality services, employment opportunities, and resources for juveniles.vision statement
Creating healthy communities in Mendocino County that value and support youth and work together to support and provide services, education, social activities and employment to reduce juvenile crime and recidivism.
what is the juvenile justice and delinquency prevention commission?
The Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Commission (JJDPC) is chartered by the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors (County Ordinance No. 8.20.010) and mandated by the State of California (WIC 225 & 233). The role of the JJDPC is multi-faceted:- Oversee juvenile justice facilities in the county to ensure that juveniles residing at any county institution or publicly operated juvenile institution are treated fairly and are living in conditions that are safe and clean, and provide healthy food, support and encouragement
- This function of the Commission requires yearly inspections of such facilities.
- Support and encourage individuals, organizations, and institutions that further the work of providing effective, evidence-based practices to help youth stay out of the juvenile justice system
- Encourage coordination and integration of services where possible
- Enhance opportunities for youth success at school and in the community
the commissioners
- John Azzaro, 36 year resident of Mendocino County, a CASA volunteer with a 40 year background in business, and a life-long interest in criminal justice
- Peggy Clinton, is retired from Ukiah Unified School District where she taught special education students. She has served on the Mendocino County Grand Jury and as a Mediator for Victim/Offender Reconciliation Program
- Sharon Govern, Mendocino County resident living in Ukiah since 1994; Administrative Director for Redwood Childrenīs Services, Inc. since 2001
- Lawrence Lazaro, native Californian, former foster youth working for foster care agency, he currently works for Redwood Childrenīs Services as a Peer Support Counselor at The Arbor on Main
- Libbe Madsen was a clinical social worker in New York for almost 30 years before returning to California. She is now a mental health counselor at Laytonville High School and a volunteer in local programs that promote a healthy community.
- Edward Mann, a retired social worker, served as a foster parent, group home director, child welfare worker and social worker supervisor in Contra Costa and Mendocino counties
- Noel OīNeill, Licensed Marriage Family Therapist who is currently the Behavioral Health Director in Trinity County. He is a resident of Willits
- Sherry Steele, member of Lytton Band of Pomo Indians, former Indian Child Welfare Advocate, former volunteer Legal Aid of Sonoma County, Advocate for children and families with legal, educational and behavioral health issues
- Gary Levenson-Palmer, native Californian, resident of Manchester, retired California State Department of Social Services manager with over 35 years of experience in child welfare, foster care programs
- Lindsay O'Neill, is from North County and is a mentoring and family liaison for the Laytonville Healthy Start Family Resource Center. She is dedicated to programs serving youth
- Other members of the Commission include: Mendocino County Juvenile Court Judge: Honorable David Nelson; Mendocino County Chief Probation Officer: Jim O. Brown; Mendocino County Juvenile Hall Division Manager: Buck Ganter
Our Focus for 2013
- Maintain focus on mentoring
- Perform our inspections in a timely manner
- Recruit new Commissioners
- Work closely with Juvenile Probation, and continue to advocate for youth in whatever setting they find themselves.
- Support Teen Peer Court as a viable deterrent for juvenile crime
- Continue to support youth led and youth focused organizations
- Support efforts to curtail truancy and meet with the DA regarding the SARB process.
The Commission Meets the Third Friday of the Month 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at the Juvenile Probation Conference Room 589 Low Gap Road, Ukiah CA 95482. Members of the public are welcome. Please let us know in advance if you plan to attend.
For more information, call (707) 467-8257 or email JJDPC@co.mendocino.ca.us