It is my pleasure to nominate Charles L. “Chuck” Watts, Jr. for this year’s VJJA Meritorious Service Award in the category of Court Services.

Chuck began his career in Virginia’s Juvenile Justice System in December of 1983 as a Probation Officer in the 25th District, providing all Intake, Probation, Parole, Social History, and ancillary services for both Botetourt and Craig Counties.  In that position, he distinguished himself as a knowledgeable, thorough, well-organized professional who developed strong working relationships with law enforcement and other community agencies.  Chuck also proved himself to be an effective advocate for children.

In 1985, Chuck transferred to an opening in the Unit’s Lexington Office where he provided services to Rockbridge County and the Cities of Buena Vista and Lexington.  In August of 1993, he was promoted to the position of Senior Probation Officer in the Lexington Office.

As a Probation Officer, Chuck created and conducted group sessions for the kids on his caseload and the caseloads of others.  He taught Street Law and CASSYO (Changing Attitudes and Social Status of Youthful Offenders) to youth before the court.  He involved probationers and parolees in the Educationally Straight Program at the Augusta Correctional Center.  Chuck developed and implemented Intensive Supervision Groups for parolees.  He also served on the Rockbridge Area’s Mental Health Association’s Advisory Board.  Chuck’s knowledge of the Code of Virginia, his advocacy for children, his work ethic, and his ability and willingness to work as part of a team gained him the respect of co-workers, other agency professionals, supervisors and judges.

In July of 1999, Chuck was promoted to the position of Probation Supervisor in the 25th District, responsible for services in the Counties of Alleghany, Bath, Botetourt, Craig and Rockbridge, and the Cities of Buena Vista, Covington, and Lexington.  In addition to consistently exceeding expectations in his role as a supervisor, Chuck has provided staff training for the District, served on Certification Teams, and developed Intake brochures both for the general public and law enforcement personnel.  In 2000, Chuck brought together his eight (8) jurisdictions to create one combined VJCCCA Plan.  In doing so, he fostered cooperation between and among his political subdivisions never before thought possible.  When the VJCCCA Coordinator left her position, Chuck stepped in and efficiently wrote and administered the combined VJCCCA Plan, supervising VJCCCA employees and administering the multi-jurisdictional budget.

In 2004, Chuck was instrumental in bringing after hours video intake to the extremely rural 25th District.  He wrote local protocols and trained CSU staff, detention home personnel, and law enforcement officers.  Thanks to Chuck, after hours video intake is now a reality throughout the District.

Chuck also serves on the Rockbridge Area Community Services Board and is a long-time member of VJJA, currently acting as his unit’s legislative contact person.  He lives in Lexington, with his wife, Jeri, two daughters, Chandler and Mary Carson and a black Labrador retriever, Nimbus.

Send Chuck a congratulatory E-MAIL

Read about other 2005 winners HERE