Youth Court

Youth Court, founded in 2007, is a program based on a national program developed by the federal Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP). Youth Court training overseen by professionals in the field, including judges, attorneys, members of the District Attorney’s office, police officers, social workers, and other sectors of the legal community.

Youth Court is a voluntary alternative to Family Court and the criminal justice system for teens who have been arrested for non-violent crimes. Youth court members serve in the roles of judge, prosecutors, defense attorneys, jury, clerk, and bailiff. This legal and binding procedure determines a fair and restorative sentence in the form of community service hours for the youthful offender.

Youth Court meets at the Yorktown Justice Court, 7-8:30pm on the first and third Wednesday of each month, beginning on November 1, 2017. The program includes six training sessions, a bar exam, and a swearing-in ceremony, followed by actual misdemeanor cases as they arise in Yorktown. In order to successfully complete the program, a bar exam must be passed and regular attendance is necessary.

The Alliance for Safe Kids invites students in grades 8-12 to complete an application online (deadline October 23, 2017). There will be a one-time training fee of $60.00 for materials and training costs. Confidential financial assistance is available.

Fill out an application and join your peers at Youth Court!