Press release:
Calling all eighth- though 11th-graders in Genesee County and any other individuals interested in Youth Court! On Tuesday, May 3, Genesee County Youth Court will be celebrating Law Day from 5:30-6:30 p.m. to show the community how our court operates.
Applications and brochures will be available along with program staff to answer questions for anyone who is interested in joining.
Youth Court is a voluntary alternative for young people who face disciplinary action through school or law enforcement. Youth who are referred admit to the charge and appear before a court of their peers. There are three youth judges who listen to both sides of the issue and determine an appropriate disposition. The goal of youth court is to improve youth citizenship skills and decrease problematic behavior.
Youth Court members learn about the judicial process and law enforcement, group decision making and they get to develop their public speaking skills, participate in a great leadership opportunity, and learn and participate in all roles of the courtroom: judge, prosecution, defense, and bailiff.
Eighth- though 11th-graders who are interested can attend Law Day on May 3 or go online to download an application from the Genesee County Web site www.co.genesee.ny.us, where you will find a link on the Youth Bureau page. Applications are due by July 29. Interviews of potential candidates will take place in August with the training to begin in October.
For more information on the Genesee County Youth Court, please contact Chelsea Dillon at the Genesee County Youth Bureau, 344-3960.
