What is a Citizen Review Board (CRB)?

The Citizen Review Board, sometimes called Foster Care Review Board, is a group of concerned citizens who serve as advisors to the judge on selected cases regarding children and juveniles. The CRB periodically reviews the progress of cases where youths have been placed outside their homes for their own protection (abuse/neglect) or for other reasons (minor offenses or family problems).


What  is the Purpose of the CRB?

The child welfare system often appears to children and families as a "maze" through which they must travel to reach their goal. The goal is a stable, nurturing home which will help children achieve their full potential in life. The CRB reviews cases and assesses progress (such as return home or adoption), and may suggest alternatives to the case plan if progress has been insufficient. The focus is always on achieving a permanent home for a child as quickly as possible.


How Does the Review Process Work?

When a review is scheduled, all parties and interested persons are invited to attend and to speak to the Board. After hearing the presentations, asking questions, and reviewing the written reports, the Board formulates written recommendations for the judge to consider. The judge makes the final decision regarding action on the case.


What are the Benefits of the CRB?

To the child:

  • A feeling that people from the community care and will listen.
  • The knowledge that family members and professionals are working together to assure the child has a permanent home as quickly as possible.
  • A group of citizens who are advocating for all of the services the child might need.
  • A clear understanding that there will be a thorough and timely review, and the child will not be forgotten by an overburdened system.

To the court:

  • A partnership with the community in determining what is best in juvenile cases.
  • Time, which is freed up for the most complicated cases or other judicial duties.
  • The knowledge that families and children are less intimidated by the whole system due to their contact wit the CRB.
  • The availability of fresh perspectives and ideas on difficult cases.

To the community:

  • Increased understanding of the problems faced daily by families and children.
  • Better outcomes and services for children in need.
  • Possible savings in payments for long-term foster care.
  • An opportunity to help in solving some of the problems of the community's children.