Evelyn McLean doesn’t see the people who approach her bench as mere court cases. Instead, as Precinct 3 justice of the peace, she feels called to get to the bottom of whatever challenge they are facing, either get them involved in an existing program, or start one herself. That dedication to community outreach has increased the court’s recognition and awards received with greater frequency since she was elected in 2018.
To date, Judge McLean’s court has been celebrated a combined five times in the state and the nation for the success of Financial Literacy, and What Every Teen Should Know About Texas Law. “My goal,” the judge says, “is to keep people out of my courtroom, or at the very least, keep them on a right path and prevent them from going to a higher court in the long run. In addition to the above programs, we also meet diverse community needs via Teen Court and our mentor program. These are all just different avenues to provide community service as we can.”
PREVENTION AND MITIGATION
Judge McLean says new programs emerge as people come before the court with various exigencies and experiences. “I don’t create programs in a vacuum. I look at patterns and situations, which can be anything from mental illness to a simple case of needing a role model. I try to ascertain what other factors might be involved that brought someone to court.” She then extrapolates the source of a problem from the symptoms and determines the best course of action within the confines of her judicial role. She says, “Where limitations exist for a judge, I can enlist volunteers willing to meet with defendants and work together to manage their challenges.”
The Financial Literacy program helps participants improve their finances through budgeting and savings in lieu of paying tickets for not having a driver’s license or insurance. “It is a one-time deal,” she says, “but it helps people who are struggling financially and removes one of the cost burdens that would only add to their crisis.”
What Every Teen Should Know… gives high school juniors and seniors information about legal aspects of their imminent adulthood. “We want them to understand the impact of buying their first car, entering a lease agreement, having a roommate, buying insurance—things they don’t learn in high school but need to know when they are out in the world. It is a free program that is well attended and I look forward to doing another class in the near future.”
CARING ABOUT HEALTH TOO
Another responsibility of all JPs in our county is being called to a resident death when a medical professional is not present. Being on call and supporting families in crisis has made wellness another mission for the JP3 office. “It is difficult to see the tragedy in a family that might have been prevented for a time. I am seeing a lot of death due to complications from high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and obesity,” the judge says. “I am working on plans for more education and emphasis on preventable death. People need only communicate with their doctors, get regular physicals, and be sure they know their numbers. There are resources in Georgetown that are inexpensive or free. Or just go out your front door and take a walk—just move.”
The judge credits her staff for the reputation for excellence that has grown during her tenure thanks to successful programs and outstanding customer service. “It’s not about me. It is a whole team doing community engagement and it takes all of us to make that office run.” Visit wilco.org/jp3 for schedules and information.