Building stronger, safer communities through accountability and service.

The Juvenile Community Accountability Board, also known as JCAB, is a program at the Albany County Probation Department that seeks to help juveniles understand the impact crime has had on the community, and to allow them an opportunity to repair the harm that was caused.

The JCAB operates on the principles of balanced and restorative justice while focusing on juvenile accountability.

The JCAB comprises community members who are trained to facilitate meetings with the juvenile, their parents and the victim (if they choose to attend). The Board members are all volunteers who live, work or have some vested interest in the community.

The JCAB Process

At the initial meeting the Board focuses on what happened, who was harmed, and how the harm can be repaired. An individualized contract is then developed that will require the juvenile to complete specific activities or to engage in certain programs designed to repair the harm. The process allows the juvenile to understand the impact of their offense and learn ways to avoid re-offending. When the requirements of the agreement are met, the case is closed.

JCAB Benefits the Victim and the Community while Teaching Accountability

• Provides the victim an opportunity to be heard and contribute to the process.
• Allows the community to participate in resolving problems of crime and delinquency in their neighborhood.
• Provides juveniles with positive role models and shows juveniles that there are adults in the community who care about them and what they do.
• Juveniles understand the broad impact their actions have on their community.
• Juveniles realize there are consequences for the harm they caused and that they will be held accountable to repair the damage.
• Juveniles gain an increased sense of accomplishment and self-esteem by completing the program and serving their communities.

Help Make a Difference: Become a JCAB Volunteer!

To ensure the safety of our young people, all applicants will be subject to a criminal history background check. Prior arrests do not preclude involvement; however, those with outstanding warrants, open criminal cases or a history of crimes against children will not be permitted to serve.

Volunteers must be residents of Albany County and be at least 18 years old. Prior experience is not required. Applicants should want to work with young people, and have good communication and interpersonal skills. Applicants also should work well with others, and be able to maintain impartiality and confidentiality.

You can download an application here.

For more information about becoming a JCAB volunteer, contact Lisa Mahar at (518) 487-5300 weekdays between 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM, or by email at lisa.mahar@albanycounty.com.

Completed applications can be mailed to:

Lisa Mahar
Albany County Probation Department
60 South Pearl St.
Albany, NY 12207

We're Seeking Volunteers!

The Albany County Probation Department is currently seeking volunteers for the Juvenile Community Accountability Board (JCAB) as it expands to the Bethlehem, Guilderland and Watervliet areas. JCAB is a program at the Albany County Probation Department and is an alternative to Family Court action that helps juveniles understand the impact crime has on the community and allows them an opportunity to repair the harm that was caused. Volunteers meet with the juvenile and their parent to develop an agreement that will require the juvenile to complete specific activities designed to repair the harm caused.

Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age and live, work or have a vested interest in the community and are required to attend a one-day training. Those interested in volunteering can download an application or contact Lisa Mahar at (518) 487-5856 or lisa.mahar@albanycounty.com.

All completed applications should be returned to Lisa Mahar by email: lisa.mahar@albanycounty.com; fax: (518) 487-5204; or  regular mail:

Lisa Mahar
Albany County Probation Department
60 S. Pearl Street
Albany, NY 12207

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