History and Purpose

In 1995, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (IDHW) organized Citizen Review Panels (CRP) in each of Idaho's seven public health regions. The purpose of these panels was, and still is, to evaluate and provide recommendations for the improvement of the child protection system within each of the seven health districts.

In 2018, the Idaho Legislature amended Idaho Code to transition oversight of the Citizen Review Panels from IDHW to Idaho's public health districts.

Citizen Review Panels are comprised of up to seven volunteers that reside within the boundaries of the public health district. Each Citizen Review Panel is tasked with reviewing all cases being held under Idaho Statute Title 16, Chapter 16 (Child Protective Act) that have been open in the corresponding district court, or other appropriate local jurisdiction, longer than 120 days.

The volunteer members of the Public Health District V (South Central Idaho) Citizen Review Panel are from all walks of life. They bring different types of knowledge and varying levels of experience to the table. All are firmly motivated to improve the welfare of children and families. All panel members have undergone a criminal history background check.

We Need Your Help

SCPHD is looking for more volunteers for the Citizen Review Panel. If you want to help Idaho's children, we want to hear from you!

Program Requirements

• Independently review assigned cases
• Attend required bi-monthly meeting in-person or virtually (2 hours)
• Two-year commitment
• Approximately 10 hours per month
• Must be able to cope with sensitive/emotional cases
• Must undergo a criminal history background check
• Must maintain strict confidentialities

Get Involved