The Judicial Branch of Arizona in Maricopa County is commemorating the re-opening of its newly remodeled juvenile facility, with a dedication ceremony and walkthrough tour, on November 13 at 10:00 a.m.  

Learn how the Court used innovative research and design to create a trauma-informed court building to increase access to justice and better serve the juvenile population and their families. Speakers at the event will include Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Chairman Thomas Galvin, Presiding Judge Pamela Gates, and Presiding Juvenile Department Judge Lori Bustamante.

“To keep up with the growing population in the East Valley, the court expanded the Southeast Juvenile Court Center to efficiently and safely hear more matters,” Presiding Judge Pamela Gates said. “We want more cases heard closer to home rather than requiring families to take more time off work and travel to downtown Phoenix. The Court is continually seeking ways to serve our communities and meet people where they are.” 

The Southeast Juvenile Court Center, located at 1810 S. Lewis, Mesa, is comprised of 11 large courtrooms, incorporating a streamlined design to assist in the adjudication of dependency and delinquency cases.  

“We are so happy with the newly designed beautiful courthouse,” said Presiding Juvenile Department Judge Lori Bustamante. “In juvenile delinquency cases, our focus is rehabilitation, and in dependency cases, our goal is family reunification whenever possible. The new courtrooms were created with these objectives in mind, offering a more collaborative and less adversarial space. Our new facility also includes dedicated meeting rooms for attorneys, youth, parents and system partners to meet and confer further supporting meaningful engagement in the court process. We remain committed to serving our community and believe this new environment will provide a sense of comfort, safety and support for all who enter.”

“The Board is committed to public safety, justice, and investing in strong communities where families and their children can thrive,” said Chairman Thomas Galvin, who represents District 2 on the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors. “This well-planned and thoughtfully designed facility is the epitome of those principles and will undoubtedly increase access to court services for residents of the rapidly growing East Valley.”

The new courtrooms provide a visually friendly environment. The colors, materials, shapes and lighting implemented by the architects are designed to offer a less intimidating environment and soften the impact of court proceedings. 

“We know children and youth involved in the dependency and delinquency systems have often experienced trauma, and it’s important that we strive to make the court environment as welcoming as possible,” said Juvenile Department Administrator Carma Umpleby. “This helps increase trust in the court system and reduce further trauma. The Juvenile Court’s goal is for rehabilitation and facilitation of growth and healing. This new court building does exactly that.”

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