Creating Positive Outcomes for Youth: Buncombe's Juvenile Crime Prevention Council Needs You

Are you looking for a way to get involved with your community and make a difference? The Buncombe County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC) has current openings. "We welcome applications from members of the community eager to make a difference in the lives of Buncombe County youth,” notes JCPC Board member Martin Moore. “The JCPC provides a unique opportunity to help shape policies and programs aimed at supporting youth at-risk of involvement with the justice system. No specific education, legal, or therapeutic background is required; only a willingness to learn and desire to serve."

Buncombe County Justice Services collaborates with community and justice system partners to re-imagine justice, enhance public safety, and holistically support all people impacted by the justice system. Through the JCPC, part of that work centers around developing comprehensive strategies to promote positive youth development, support core social institutions, strengthen families, and identify and intercept youth who might be on the path to behavior that could lead to justice system involvement. 

Current vacancies include 3 community members, including:

• 1 position reserved for an individual under the age of 21 years
• 2 interested community members of any age 

The JCPC meets on the 3rd Thursday of every other month from 8:30 – 10am. Meetings are currently held virtually on Zoom. Details on meeting dates and location are available on the JCPC website.

Some responsibilities of JCPC include: 

• Review the needs of youth who are at risk of involvement or are involved in the justice system
• Review the resources available to address those needs; prioritize community risk factors; and determine the services needed to address those problems areas
• Develop a request for proposals for services; review proposals, and decide where to allocate funds for treatment, counseling or rehabilitation services; and submit a written funding plan to the county commissioners for approval
• Evaluate program performance of funded programs
• Increase public awareness of the drivers of youth involvement in the justice system and strategies to reduce the problem
• Develop strategies to intervene, respond to and treat the needs of youth at risk of justice system involvement

Visit the JCPC website to learn more and apply online.