Youth Courts and the School Disciplinary Process. Center for Court Innovation

Transcription

1 Youth Courts and the School Disciplinary Process Center for Court Innovation (c) Center for Court Innovation

2 Center for Court Innovation Non-profit think tank that helps justice system and other agencies develop problem-solving initiatives that strengthen community resources, aid victims, reduce crime and improve public trust in justice Operates six community-based youth courts in NY and NJ and has worked with other programs around the country to develop and improve their practices (c) Center for Court Innovation

3 What is a Youth Court? Local teenagers serve as jurors, judges and advocates handling real-life cases involving their peers Respondents complete sanctions that focus on accountability including: pro-social educational workshops and community service Use positive peer pressure to ensure that young people who have committed minor offenses learn accountability and repair the harm caused by their actions Divert lower level cases from the justice system Part of a school s disciplinary process as a meaningful alternative to suspension and detention (c) Center for Court Innovation

4 Youth Leadership Goals Equip youth volunteers to lead the process Train members on restorative justice Support all youth as potentially positive role models, not just academically successful students Prepare and support teens to respond to negative behavior in their community Center for Court Innovation

5 Referral Sources Schools Police (juvenile offenses) Department of Probation (condition of adjustment) Law Department Family Court Community Based Organizations Parents

6 Typical Offenses Truancy Theft (including shoplifting) Vandalism/Criminal Mischief Fighting Trespassing Marijuana Possession Disorderly Conduct Fare Evasion Harassment

7 Case Eligibility Eligible offense/infraction Acknowledgement of responsibility (Youth Court does not determine guilt/innocence) Parental consent (c) Center for Court Innovation

8 Sanction Options (individually or in combination) Community Service Oral/Written Apologies Essays on Relevant Topics Jury Duty Skill-building Workshops Conflict Management Goal Setting Decision-Making

9 Compliance and Accountability Staff track and ensure compliance with all sanctions Referral sources are notified of compliance/noncompliance Consequences of non-compliance determined by referral source

10 How Youth Court Works Referral Referral source submits case to youth court. Screening and Intake Staff reviews referred case for appropriateness for youth court and contact youth/parent for eligible cases. Hearing Youth Court members conduct hearing and assign sanctions. Case is not appropriate for youth court and/or youth/parent do not consent to youth court. Return to Referral Source Sanction Monitoring Youth Court staff monitors compliance with sanction requirements. Compliance Outcome Youth Court staff report outcome to referral source. (c) Center for Court Innovation

11 Why Youth Courts? Provide an alternative response to low-level offenses Develop youth leaders and increase civic engagement Ensure that young people who have committed minor offenses pay back the community through community service Ensure that young people receive the help they need to avoid further involvement in the justice system through early intervention Use positive peer pressure Educate young people about the justice system Keep young people in school and in the community Focus on accountability and responsibility through the lens of positive youth development (c) Center for Court Innovation

12 Youth Courts as Restorative Justice Programs Focus on repairing harm resulting from offenses, not punishing respondents Non-adversarial process Recognize respondents' personal strengths and positive contributions to the community Prepare and support teens to respond to negative behavior in their community Create activities that allow respondents to repair harm and make meaningful and positive contributions to the community Help youth - members and respondents - understand the consequences of their behavior Assume all youth can be positive role models, not just academically successful students (c) Center for Court Innovation

13 The Newark Youth Court Overview Members and member training Referral partners and process Sanctions and community service Community engagement and civic responsibility Outcomes (c) Center for Court Innovation

14 Inside the Courtroom

15 Community Service Events

16 Law Day 2016!

17 Youth Court Retreats!

18 Class 12 Induction Ceremony

19 Thank you Kelly Mulligan-Brown Project Director, Newark Community Solutions Cell: Jasmine Harden Youth Court Coordinator, Newark Community Solutions Cell: (c) Center for Court Innovation