Jim Doone, Chief Ombudsperson
Martha Munoz, Assistant Ombudsperson
Shea West, Assistant Ombudsperson
(O) 609.376.0610
E-mail: jjcombudsperson@jjc.nj.gov

The safety and well-being of the youth placed in the care and custody of the Juvenile Justice Commission by the courts is the agency’s highest priority. The Office of the Ombudsperson, which reports directly to the Executive Director, ensures the rights of each youth are protected and that concerns raised by youth are addressed in a fair, impartial, and timely manner.

The Office of the Ombudsperson strives to promote the best possible services for young people throughout their stay with the JJC. Routine visits to each secure care facility and residential community home allow the Ombudspersons to meet directly with youth regarding any concerns or grievances they may have and to develop appropriate resolutions. The Ombudspersons also serve as a valuable source of information and overall support for youth and their families and work to foster positive relationships between youth, their families, and JJC staff and administration.

The Office of the Ombudsperson serves as a direct liaison between youth and the Office of the Executive Director. It is also the responsibility of the Office of the Ombudsperson to recommend policy or practice changes that can help remedy systemic issues and support improvements that positively impact youth across all JJC programs and facilities.