Volunteers are needed to act as jurors, clerks, and attorneys in Youth Court, a nationwide program run locally to help unclog the court system.  Juveniles charged with misdemeanors or minor felonies waive their right to be tried in traditional court and are tried in youth court in return for a clean record upon completion of probation (or whatever sentence the court imposes).  The recidivism rate, or rate of re-arrest, in youth court is 4-5% versus the 28-34% rate of traditional court.  Recently the Youth Court Program was expanded to include the Teen Drug Court function as well. Youth Court is held in four locations throughout the county, including Delray Beach Courthouse at 200 West Atlantic Ave where trials take place every Thursday evening beginning at 5:30 p.m. Other locations include West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, and Belle Glade. Parents are welcome to watch their children in action, but all proceedings must remain confidential.  Attorney training takes place in September; student volunteers will be coached by pro bono lawyers.  Great for students interested in a law career.

Translating/Tutorial Program:  Each Saturday morning students meet to help migrant families and local doctors communicate at the Caridad Health Clinic.  Students also help by baby-sitting children of patients while parents are busy with the doctor.  Often Spanish speaking students help older members of the families learn English.  Although open to everyone, this is an excellent opportunity for students in the Spanish curriculum to practice and perfect Spanish.

Tutors/Playmates: Many volunteers are needed to help with sixty children aged 6-12 after school at Lois Martin Community Center in Dixie Manor, a local housing project. Duties include planning special events, helping with homework, and playing outside.  The program is child-oriented, designed to encourage and motivate the kids to live a successful life.

Volunteers are needed to help 7 days a week, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a variety of positions including: Exhibition Explainer, Horticulture Assistant, Animal Diet Asistant, Special Event Assistant, Summer Camp Program Assistant. Minimum age: 16

TeenAge Volunteer (TAV). Students are needed to volunteer in many departments throughout the hospital.  Duties include transporting patients, delivering flowers and messages to patients, running errands, delivering medical records to the emergency room, and attending the nurses’ station and the information desk.