VOLUNTEERS

The Judge Mario E. Ramirez, Jr. Juvenile Justice Center welcomes and strongly recruits volunteers for the Juvenile Court Conference Committee. This Program has existed in Hidalgo County since 1985. The concept of the Program is "Neighbor helping Neighbor". Volunteers are a vital part of the Program and it could not function or exist without them. Deciding whether or not to commit oneself in the life of another can be quite difficult. One should keep from undermining the impact one can have on another. Just keep in mind that “to the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world”. The opportunity in becoming an influential energy in the lives of youth by assisting in the molding of their character can result in the strengthening of a generation that can ultimately result in productive and responsible lives that strive for the up keeping of a safer community. It is with a remarkable sense of commitment that we challenge members of our community to become members of our prestigious Volunteer Program. For further information about the Juvenile Court Conference Committee visit Volunteer Program.

INTERNS

The Judge Mario E. Ramirez, Jr. Juvenile Justice Center takes pride in assisting college students interested in completing their internship in the juvenile justice field. The opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students in taking a “hands on” approach in making a difference in misguided young lives can also be instrumental in the development of ones career. The number of applicants accepted per semester is limited and the interns will be assigned to the Juvenile Court Conference Committee Program. The degree of commitment in the preservation of human life can prove to be life changing to anyone pursuing a career in this field. Interested interns will have to complete the same training as Volunteers before being acceptance. For consideration contact Ricardo Guerrero.

Criteria for both Volunteers and Interns:

• Must submit an application;
• Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age;
• Must submit to a criminal background check through the Fingerprint Applicant Services of Texas (FAST) system;
• Must submit two (2) reference letters (not from family members);
• Must attend a six (6) to eight (8) hours of training;
• Must be re-certified every two (2) years;
• Must be sworn into confidentiality by a District Judge or representative;
• Must sign a Volunteer agreement and Code of Ethics;
• Must be committed to the general purpose and philosophy of the Program; and
• MOST IMPORTANTLY, MUST BE COMMITTED TO HELPING IMPROVE THE LIFE OF A YOUTH.

Disqualifications for both Volunteers and Interns:

• Having a felony conviction or a deferred adjudication case within the last 10 years;

• Having a misdemeanor conviction or deferred adjudication case with in the last five years;

• Having any offense against a child even if it was dismissed;

• Having any sexual offense arrest even if it was dismissed;

• Having been a Registered Sex Offender under Chapter 62, Texas CCP; and

• Currently being on any type of probation.