1. Juvenile Diversion Programs
South Coast
Youth Courts
Juvenile Diversion Programs

2. 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

3. 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%)

4. 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.

5. 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)

6. 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.

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

8. 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.

9. 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

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

11. 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

12. For more information on Youth Courts go to www. nb-fryouthcourts
For more information on Youth Courts go to or call New Bedford Youth Court (508)