By Linnea Anderson, San Juan County Superior Court Services Director
In celebration of Law Day 2025, the San Juan County Superior Court Services Department highlights the many ways we support individuals and families in our community. As a division of Superior Court, we provide direct services, case management and supervision in juvenile and family cases, focusing on these key areas:
Juvenile Division EMPOWER Court (Encouraging, Meaningful Partnerships and Opportunities for Wellbeing, Equity, and Resiliency) – Assisting youth and families referred through the civil or offender court systems, providing a fully integrated therapeutic approach with meaningful partnerships and opportunities for growth. Therapeutic practices — addressing the root causes of court involvement, like substance use, and the overall wellness of the individual — are not the alternative, but the heart of our juvenile division.
Volunteer Guardian Ad Litem Program – Delivering volunteer child advocate services for children and youth involved in the dependency court, while also cultivating and supporting a vibrant volunteer community.
Courthouse Facilitator Program – Providing accessible guidance to self-represented individuals in family law cases. We create a pathway for increased access to the court and simplify the legal process for self-represented individuals, helping them clarify their goals and complete required forms.
Public Defense Screening – Evaluating eligibility for public defense services and connecting individuals with community support information.
Therapeutic Alternative to Dependency – Family Treatment Court, an alternative to the traditional dependency court, assists parents navigate a complex legal system when the State is involved due to allegations of neglect or abuse. This program offers case management support tailored to the individual to help parents overcome challenges and encourage lasting change and family reunification.
Resource mapping — our most sought-after service — helps families find support without requiring a court case. If your family is facing conflict or a youth is struggling, simply reaching out to us connects you with compassionate professionals who collaborate to find solutions. We work closely with local community organizations, schools, government agencies and health care providers to ensure families have meaningful support while navigating challenging times. You are not alone in your struggle.
At the heart of our work are core values:
• People and families come first.
• Progress matters more than perfection.
• Early intervention makes a difference.
Every day is an opportunity for change, and we are here to walk alongside individuals and families through that process. The key to our approach is a commitment to safety, and curiosity. We recognize that to serve our community effectively, we must also be curious and examine our own practices and beliefs to reduce bias in our systems. This reflective process is vital as we strive to ensure that every individual feels seen and valued.
From court programs to resource mapping, the San Juan County Superior Court Services Department is committed to helping families on their journey toward recovery, healing and growth. Through compassionate service, we strive to reduce barriers to services and transform challenges into opportunities. For more information, call, 360-378-4620.
