Legal Systems Bureau

The Legal Systems Bureau (LSB) provides legal expertise to the Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections (ADJC) to promote and protect the interests of ADJC, juveniles, employees, victims, and the public. The Bureau serves several functions within the agency.

LIAISON TO THE COURTS, ATTORNEYS, AND THE OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
Our Liaison serves as the agency’s point of contact for the courts, attorneys, and the Arizona Office of the Attorney General, and is responsible for coordinating information and documentation for all litigation against ADJC, and all ongoing legal matters impacting ADJC youth and staff. Staff attend court hearings, assist staff in responding to court orders, subpoenas, and summonses, and meet regularly with judicial officers and attorneys to ensure a collaborative relationship with our legal system partners.

LIAISON REVIEW AND ADVICE
Additionally, our liaison serves as a resource for executive staff regarding legal issues and questions, policy development and review, audits conducted by the Arizona Office of the Auditor General, and statutory and legislative analysis.

PUBLIC RECORDS
The Bureau receives and responds to all public records requests, including gathering, reviewing, redacting, and producing records.

DUE PROCESS PROCEEDINGS (DPPO)
In order to ensure that youth committed to ADJC receive the due process safeguards entitled to them by the Constitution, staff schedule and preside over all parole suspension and parole revocation hearings. The Chief Hearing Officer is responsible for the administration of due process for youth committed to ADJC. This officer interprets Arizona Criminal Statutes, current case law, and Department policies and procedures in order to make findings on allegations, make decisions on motions made, and write final decisions. The CHO also considers appeals of Temporary Stabilization Unit hearings, considers Juvenile Community Reentry Board (JCRB) release rescissions, issues warrants, reviews requests to move youths from placement at home to a more restrictive placement, and issues discharges.

JUVENILE OMBUDSMAN
The Juvenile Ombudsmen (Ombuds) serve as an essential link between facility staff and the juveniles committed to ADJC’s care. They train all juveniles committed to ADJC's care regarding their rights during their stay, including how to access the grievance procedure. Ombuds advocate for youth in administrative hearings, investigate juvenile complaints, advocate for improvements and access to appropriate care, facilitate the juvenile grievance procedure, and monitor conditions at the facility. Ombuds also accompany ADJC youth to virtual court hearings, facilitate attorney meetings with youth, and assist in serving as monitors for PREA compliance.

VICTIMS' RIGHTS UNIT
The Victims’ Rights Unit is responsible for serving the victims of ADJC juveniles through direct outreach to victims, case management, and statutorily required victim notifications. This office preserves victims' rights, enhances juvenile accountability and promotes safer communities. For more information about our services visit our Victims' Rights page.