HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 4045-11-2011A Resolution
NO. 4045 -12 -2011
A RESOLUTION ADOPTING ETHICAL AND TRAINING STANDARDS FOR
JUVENILE CASE MANAGERS EMPLOYED BY THE CITY OF FORT WORTH,
PROVIDING FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF SAID STANDARDS, AND PROVIDING
FOR PERIODIC REVIEW TO ENSURE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE REQUISITE
STANDARDS
WHEREAS, in accordance with Article 102.0174 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, the
Fort Worth City Council adopted Ordinance No. 19274 -2010 creating a juvenile case manager fund and
requiring defendants to pay a juvenile case manager fee as a cost of court for offenses occurring on or
after October 1, 2010; and
WHEREAS, a fund created under section 102.0174 may be used only to finance the salary,
benefits, training, travel expenses, office supplies, and other expenses relating to the position of a
juvenile case manager; and
WHEREAS, the City has, pursuant to Code of Criminal Procedure 45.056, employed a juvenile
case manager to provide services in cases involving juvenile offenders before the court; and
WHEREAS, the 82nd Texas Legislature enacted Senate Bill 61, which requires a governing body
employing a juvenile case manager to adopt, by December 1, 2011, reasonable rules for juvenile case
managers that provide for a code of ethics, educational pre - service and in- service training standards, and
training in relevant substantive areas; and
WHEREAS, the City wishes to ensure that its juvenile case managers receive the requisite
training and are held to the highest ethical standards;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF FORT WORTH, TEXAS:
1. The City hereby adopts the Juvenile Case Manager Code of Ethics, attached hereto as Exhibit
"A," as the ethical standard to which the City's juvenile case managers shall be held.
2. The City hereby adopts the Educational Pre - service and In- service Training Standards, attached
hereto as Exhibit `B," as the appropriate educational standards for its juvenile case managers.
3. The City hereby requires that its juvenile case managers receive training in the role of the
juvenile case manager; case planning and management; applicable procedural and substantive
law; courtroom proceedings and presentation; services to at -risk youth; local programs for
ORT WO
M
RESOLUTION NO. 4045-12-2011
juveniles; and the detection and prevention of abuse, exploitation, and neglect of juveniles, as set
forth in Exhibit `B."
4. The City hereby directs that the rules adopted herein be implemented by the appropriate
personnel.
5. The City hereby requires annual review of its juvenile case managers by the Municipal Court
Director, or designee, to ensure implementation of the rules adopted herein.
Adopted this 6th day of December, 2011.
ATTE a
By: P40
0
Ronald P. Gonzale , Assistant City Secretary �� °oo 0 0 �C�d
° �0000OO� cy
t:65 b�bcr
ORT WWORT_I�
RESOLUTION NO. 4045-
FXHIRIT A
JUVENILE CASE MANAGER CODE OF ETHICS
PREAMBLE
The goal of the juvenile case manager is to assist the Court in administering the Court's juvenile docket
and in supervising its court orders in juvenile cases. The mission of the juvenile case manager is to
assist judges in providing juveniles the resources to shape their futures, connect with the community,
and become law abiding citizens. When applying this Code of Ethics, keep foremost in mind that the
City of Fort Worth is guided at all times by the values of integrity, excellence, compassion, and respect
for the dignity of every person.
STANDARDS
Confidentiality. A juvenile case manager shall not disclose to any unauthorized person any
confidential information acquired in the course of employment. A juvenile case manager shall not
violate the confidentiality of juvenile clients, unless it is to seek consultation services from within the
case management program, school campus, or the juvenile has threatened to harm himself, herself, or
any other person, or to provide details of any criminal activity or enterprise.
Conflicts of Interest. A juvenile case manager shall be alert to and avoid conflicts of interest that
interfere with the exercise of professional discretion and impartial judgment. In order to maintain the
community's trust in the judicial system, a juvenile case manager should avoid soliciting or accepting
improper gifts, gratuities, or loans, and should avoid engaging in business relationships that give rise to
an appearance of impropriety.
Competence. A juvenile case manager shall endeavor at all times to perform official duties properly
and with courtesy and diligence. A juvenile case manager shall fulfill his or her duty and represent
himself or herself only within the boundaries of their education, training, license, certification,
consultation received, supervised experience, or other relevant professional experience.
Respect for the Law. A juvenile case manager shall abide by all federal, state, county, and municipal
laws, guidelines, ordinances, and rules. A juvenile case manager shall be familiar with the Texas Code
of Judicial Conduct and the basic standards to which members of the judiciary are held.
Abuse of Position. A juvenile case manager shall not use or attempt to use his or her official position to
secure unwarranted privileges or exemptions for himself, herself, or any other person. A juvenile case
manager shall always maintain an appropriate relationship with juveniles coming under the jurisdiction
of the Court. A juvenile case manager shall not discriminate against any person on the basis of age, sex,
creed, sexual preference, disability, or national origin.
FoRTWORTH
"T
H
ENFORCEMENT
Any alleged violation of applicable ethical standards shall be subject to investigation and discipline by
the Municipal Court Director or designee.
ORT W RT
12 -2011
EXHIBIT B
EDUCATIONAL PRE - SERVICE AND IN- SERVICE TRAINING STANDARDS
APPLICANTS' MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR ELIGIBLE JUVENILE CASE MANAGER
POSITIONS
Sr. Human Services Specialist: A four year degree in relevant social sciences field such as social work,
psychology, sociology and two years relevant experience within the area of assignment
Sr. Customer Service Representative: A high school diploma/GED and three years relevant experience
within the area of assignment
Customer Service Representative II: A high school diploma/GED and two years relevant (or applicable)
experience within the area of assignment
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR EXISTING JUVENILE CASE MANAGERS
Existing juvenile case managers that lack suggested areas of training should begin obtaining said
requirements outlined in the "in- service training requirements" to be completed within six months after
the most current scheduled performance appraisal date. Appraisal periods are held according to the City
of Fort Worth's Personnel rules and Regulations.
DEFINITIONS
Pre - service Training refers to those skills, training, or certifications possessed at the time of hire or prior
to the commencement of the juvenile case manager's full duties.
In- Service Training refers to additional skills, training, or certification hours obtained after
commencement of juvenile case manager's full duties.
PRE - SERVICE TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
(Minimum of 24 hours completed within six months of hire date)
• The role of the juvenile case manager
• Ethics
• Juvenile law & introduction to court procedure
• Fundamentals of case planning and management
• Interagency collaboration
FoRTWoRTH
RESOLUTION NO. 4045-12-
• Risk assessment
• Juvenile mental health
• Child psychology
• Report writing
IN- SERVICE TRAINING REOUIREMENTS
(Minimum of S hours per year)
• Mental health
• Legal updates
• Recognizing and Reporting Abuse & Neglect
• Substance Abuse
• Special Topics
• Juvenile Gangs
• Family Violence
• Bullying
• Sex offenders
• Juveniles with Learning, Psychological, and Physical Disabilities
• Upgrades in Documentation and Technology
• How to Be an Expert Witness
ORT WOE
City of Fort Worth, Texas
Mayor and Council Communication
COUNCIL ACTION: Approved on 12/6/2011 - Resolution No. 4045 -12 -2011 „
DATE: Tuesday, December 06, 2011 REFERENCE NO.: * *G -17456
LOG NAME: 38JCMTRN
SUBJECT:
Adopt Resolution Establishing Minimum Training Requirements, Ethics Standards, and Educational
Standards for Municipal Court Juvenile Case Managers Within the Municipal Court Services Department
(ALL COUNCIL DISTRICTS)
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council adopt the attached Resolution to establish minimum training
requirements, ethics standards and educational standards for Juvenile Case Managers within the
Municipal Court Services Department.
DISCUSSION:
On August 17, 2010, the City Council approved M &C G -17018 amending Chapter 10, Courts of the City
Code to add Sections 10 -11 creating a Juvenile Case Manager Fund and requiring a defendant convicted
of a fine -only misdemeanor offense in Municipal Court to pay a $3.00 per convicted - offense Juvenile Case
Manager Fee as a cost of court. Funds generated by this fee are used to pay for juvenile case managers
at the school attendance court who work primarily with truancy - related cases as required by Article 45.056
of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
During the meeting of the 82nd Legislature, Senate Bill 61 was passed requiring cities to establish
guidelines for minimum training requirements, ethics standards and educational standards for staff
members employed as juvenile case managers. These standards /requirements are effective December 1,
2011. The Juvenile Case Manager Fee will be used to cover all costs related to training. A contingency of
cities across the State of Texas who employee juvenile case managers worked with the Texas Municipal
Courts Education Center (TMCEC), which on October 20, 2011 released its recommendations for cities to
utilize in establishing the minimum training requirements, ethics standards and educational standards.
Municipal Court is recommending the City adopt the attached resolution, which includes similar standards
as those proposed by TMCEC. Adoption of the attached resolution will bring the City in compliance with
this new state law.
FISCAL INFORMATION / CERTIFICATION:
The Financial Management Services Director certifies that this action will have no material effect on City
funds.
FUND CENTERS:
TO Fund /Account/Centers FROM Fund /Account/Centers
CERTIFICATIONS:
Logname: 38JCMTRN Page 1 of 2
Charles Daniels (6183)
Originating Department Head: Deidra Emerson (6711)
Additional Information Contact: William Rumuly (6736)
Logname: 38JCMTRN Page 2 of 2