Developing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Your School-Justice Partnership Webinar

The National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges joined by the Honorable Steven Teske, Chief Judge, Clayton County, Georgia, introduces and discussed the steps to develop a MOU during this interactive online training.

A memorandum of understanding (MOU) is a critical document in establishing coordinated efforts in a school-justice partnership. A MOU is a multilateral agreement among multiple parties intended to express a common vision and line of action. MOUs in school-justice partnerships represent a collective commitment among schools, courts, and other relevant agencies, to adhere to specific principles and share responsibilities for the collaborative engagements. When developing a comprehensive MOU, stakeholders must specifically define the roles and responsibilities of each involved party, as well as clearly identify the areas of shared responsibility. All MOUs should be developed with the understanding that it is a living document and which will be subjected to regular revisions as changes in goals and dynamics require adaptation to sustain an effective collaborative.

To access the supplemental materials such as the presentation PowerPoint, transcript, Q&A with the presenters, and sample MOU templates, click on the 'Link to Original Source' located to your right.