District Court / Citizen Review Board
Citizen Review Board (CRB)
The Citizen Review Board (CRB) is a court-based volunteer program that reviews Child in Need of Care (CINC) cases. CRB volunteers meet with children, families, attorneys, service providers, and others involved in the case to understand the family's progress, challenges, and needs.
Cases may involve children in the custody of the Department for Children and Families (DCF) or children who remain with their parents or guardians while participating in court-ordered services. When a case is assigned to the CRB, the review is held instead of a courtroom hearing. After the CRB, the judge reviews the CRB's recommendations and determines what action, if any, to include in a court order.
Prior to a Review Date with CRB
You should put the date the judge stated in Court and is in the document you received in the mail, on your calendar and plan to attend either through a virtual meeting or in-person. You should allow at least 45 minutes for the meeting. A CRB is a review of the progress being made to resolve the issue which brought the family situation to the attention of the Court.
A guardian ad Litem is appointed in each case to represent a child’s best interests. Children have the right to speak with their guardian ad litem about their case in between hearings.
Parents have the right to an attorney in Child in Need of Care (CINC) cases, including truancy cases. If you do not have an attorney and would like to request one, the CRB can provide you with an affidavit to complete. You should allow two weeks for an attorney to be appointed.
During a CRB Review
You will have the opportunity to speak and share your experience. You are welcome to share both concerns and successes. We want to hear about what is going well as well as any challenges you or your family are experiencing.
The conversation will focus on the child’s safety, well-being, and progress toward goals.
In truancy cases, the discussion will focus on school attendance and any challenges affecting school success.
Unlike a court hearing where you hear what the judge orders before you leave, CRB members do not have decision making authority.
CRB members listen respectfully. Their goal is to understand the full picture — including strengths, supports, and barriers.
After a CRB
After the meeting, CRB members work with the staff who types up the members’ recommendations for the judge.
The recommendations are shared with attorneys & case managers via e-mail by CRB staff before the end of staff’s workday. CRB staff are not allowed to e-mail family or foster parents the recommendations. Please contact your attorney or your case manager after the CRB review to have one of them go over the recommendations with you.
The judge may not see the recommendations for up to 10 days after the CRB. This 10-day waiting period is to allow you to contact your attorney, if appropriate, or the case manager to review the recommendations and for any concerns you have to be sent back to the CRB staff.
CRB staff will share any submitted concerns with the judge. The judge makes all final decisions in your case and signs an order with what the judge decides.
The order will be sent to you by United States Postal Service (USPS) first class mail, unless you would like to submit a waiver and consent to e-mail distribution. Your case manager, attorney or the CRB staff may provide you with the form.
Who Are the CRB Members
CRB members are:
- Community volunteers
- Not a judge
- Not caseworkers
- Not attorneys in the child welfare system
CRB members receive training, complete background checks, and serve a two-year term. CRB members are volunteers and their role is to review progress and offer recommendations — not to make final decisions.
CRB members sign an oath of confidentiality before the judge. Keeping details of the case confidential means that the CRB members do not discuss the case other than in the review, with each other, and with CRB staff.
If CRB members or staff see you in public, they will respect that oath and your right to privacy. They will not acknowledge that they know you.
CRB Purpose
CRB helps the Court ensure that:
- Children are safe and have healthy outcomes
- Families are receiving appropriate services
- Progress is being made toward goals
- Barriers are identified and addressed
- In truancy cases, efforts are being made to improve attendance as well as understand and address underlying causes
Volunteering Opportunities
You may be able to use your talents and interests in a variety of ways.
CRB duties are defined by Kansas law - 38-2208.
CRB membership volunteers must submit a written application, complete an interview, three references, extensive training, and pass several background checks. CRB is a two-year commitment. After training and approval, volunteers meet as a board approximately four hours every month.
CRB administrative volunteer roles vary and are not defined by statute.
If you are interested in a volunteer opportunity with CRB, please e-mail crb@dgcoks.gov.
