Juvenile Diversion Programs South Coast Youth Courts Juvenile Diversion Programs

What is a Youth Court? A peer driven court for youth 2. Holds young people accountable for inappropriate behaviors and misdemeanor offenses 3. Helps repair the harm they have caused 4. Assists in reconnecting young people with their family, school and community

One Year Out- 82% average (18%) Three Years Out- 68% average (32%) Non-Recidivism Rate for One and Three Years Post Youth Court Completion MOST YOUTH COURT OFFENDERS ARE NOT GETTING IN TROUBLE WITH POLICE OR COURTS AFTER YOUTH COURT One Year Out- 82% average (18%) Three Years Out- 68% average (32%)

Types of Crimes and Offenses Assault and Battery ** Habitual School Offender ** Larceny/ Shoplifting Small Weapon Vandalism/ Destruction of Property Disturbing School Assembly Threats to commit a crime Insubordination/ Disorderly Conduct Truancy/ CRA Bullying/ Harassment Substance Use and possession Alcohol Status Offenses **85% of the cases we take are Habitual School Offender and Assault and Battery Cases.

So if they are already guilty... What is the point? Yes, respondents admit their guilt as part of the youth court process. It is the volunteer attorney’s job to present to you, the jury, the facts that lesson the crime and the facts that worsen the crime ( mitigating and aggravating circumstances). It is your job to come up with the consequences for the respondents. ( examples on the next slide)

Great! Now what do I have to do? Listen to all of the facts and evidence …this means specifically the reports and testimony you hear. Identify the victims and how they were harmed. Address how that harm is going to be repaired and how respondent is going to be reconnected to the community. Determine an appropriate, fair and restorative disposition for the respondent. Come to a consensus decision. Jury members have a huge responsibility in the court room It is your job to look at the big picture… To understand that for most of our respondents, this is the last chance before Juvenile Court and before having a record.

What evidence/ testimony can be presented? Police reports Incident reports Victim/ witness testimony Conduct reports Physical evidence Photos

The Youth Court Hearing Hearings take place at GNBRVTHS in our second floor courtroom. Hearings take place only on Tuesday evenings and begin at 5:00. 3-5 cases are heard each evening. The court operates with high school students assuming most roles in the proceedings. Respondents agree to not contest charges. Please keep in mind--Judge has the ability to change sanctions if they are not fair, consistent and/or constructive.

New Bedford Youth Court Sanctions ATTEND SCHOOL DAILY AND OBEY ALL SCHOOL RULES COMMUNITY SERVICE JURY DUTY FOR ALL OVER 12 ESSAYS Research projects VERBAL APOLOGIES AND/OR WRITTEN APOLOGIES MANDATORY PROGRAMS Project Yes Project Insight Behavior Mod Camp ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS CURFEWS RESTITUTION NO CONTACT ORDERS

Mandatory Programs Behavioral Modification Program ( Saturdays)- Middle and Elementary School age students Project Yes- 13 and older Project Insight

YOUTH COURT NIGHT Dress presentable. Have all of the B’s covered. No hats, no headphones in the courtroom. Phones are on silent or turned off completely. Do not talk in the hallway. Do not laugh, chew gum, sleep, slouch, or put your head down in the jury box. Bring something to do during downtime. DO NOT COME UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ANY SUBSTANCES--- OR SMELLING LIKE ANY SUBSTANCES

For more information on Youth Courts go to www. nb-fryouthcourts For more information on Youth Courts go to www.nb-fryouthcourts.org or call New Bedford Youth Court (508) 979-1580 tswanbell77@gmail.com