Community courts seek to respond to crime through a combined strategy of holding individuals accountable and offering to help participants with a range of social needs. Community Court is a non-traditional approach that works to provide practical, targeted solutions rather than traditional punishment. The King County Community Court in Bellevue is a collaborative effort between King County District Court, King County Library System, City of Bellevue, and community service providers.
Learn more about Community Court
Volunteer Details
Volunteers are needed to greet participants, help with navigation, room set-up, take notes, and more! Interested volunteers:
- Must be 18 years or older.
- Pass a criminal history background check.
- Generally, a six-month commitment is requested.
- Hours are typically Tuesdays from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at the Bellevue Library, 1111 110th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98004.
For more information, contact Andy Lorenzen, King County Community Court Coordinator, at alorenzen@kingcounty.gov or 206-263-8183.
Examples of Volunteer Duties
Navigator - Community Court Room
- Develop a solid working knowledge of the resource center and the community services partners.
- Assign provider breakout rooms, track attendance for each session, and facilitate the exchange of necessary information to the Court Coordinator.
- Document court participants, communicate with defense attorneys on the justice involvement of court visitors, report any critical incidents, and track court-ordered appearances.
- Act as a liaison to judicial officers, legal counsel, court staff, all interested parties and the public.
- Answer procedural questions and resolve courtroom problems, contact pre-trial services, and other agencies regarding upcoming cases, refer individuals to various departments for legal assistance and/or other support services.
Navigator - Community Resource Room
- Conduct orientation for new providers visiting the ACRC.
- Assist court participants identify which providers they need to see. Make sure they understand the need for verifying documents.
- Coordinate with providers to ensure continuity of service for participants who may need assistance.
- Provide support and assistance to defendants in navigating general information, defense attorney and provider breakout room, as necessary.
Community Court Notetaker
- Attend court sessions, obtain assigned courtroom calendar, and record court proceedings/actions as needed.
- Track cases submitted to the court; communicate scheduled court hearing status, note of any actions/ changes of court participants, document necessary actions taken and provide status reports to the Court Coordinator/Clerk.
- Develop a solid working knowledge of the resource center and community social services partners.
- Assist with facilitating defendant linkages to provider services as necessary.
