HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 2011-034 RESOLUTION NO. 2011 -034
A RESOLUTION ADOPTING ETHICAL AND TRAINING STANDARDS
FOR JUVENILE CASE MANAGERS EMPLOYED BY THE CITY OF
NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS, PROVIDING FOR
IMPLEMENTATION OF SAID STANDARDS, AND PROVIDING FOR
PERIODIC REVIEW TO ENSURE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE
REQUISITE STANDARDS
WHEREAS, the City has, pursuant to Code of Criminal Procedure 102.0174, authorized
a juvenile case manager fund supported by additional costs assessed and collected in
municipal court; 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 82 Texas Legislature enacted Senate Bill 61, which requires the
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
NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS, AS FOLLOWS:
1. The City hereby adopts the Juvenile Case Manager Code of Ethics attached
hereto as Exhibit 'A," as the ethical standards to which the City's juvenile case
managers shall be held.
2. The City hereby requires that its juvenile case managers receive a minimum of
eight (8) hours of training per fiscal year. Areas of focus could include, but are
not limited to: the role of the juvenile case manager, case planning and
management, applicable procedural and substantive law, courtroom proceedings
and presentations, services to at -risk youth, local programs for juveniles, and the
detection and prevention of abuse, exploitation and neglect of juveniles.
3. The City hereby directs that the rules adopted herein be implemented by the
appropriate personnel.
4. The City hereby requires an annual review of its juvenile case managers to
ensure implementation of the rules adopted herein.
Resolution No. 2011 -034
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AND IT IS SO RESOLVED.
PASSED AND APPROVED on the 14th day of November, 2011.
CITY OF ORTH HLAND HILLS
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:' h tyre Oscar Trevino, Mayor
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Patricia Secretary
APPR V D A TO FORM AND LEGALITY:
George A. taples, ity Attorney
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ko, Munici I Court Administrator
Resolution No. 2011 -034
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EXHIBIT "A"
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 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 others, 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.
ENFORCEMENT
Any alleged violation of applicable ethical standards shall be subject to investigation and
discipline by the hiring entity's designated non - judicial department or supervisor.
Resolution No. 2011 -034
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