Did you know that less than 5% of the world’s population
lives in America, yet we account for 25% of ALL incarcerated persons worldwide?
Every year our juvenile justice system is virtually flooded with an influx of
new inmates, at a rate of 51,000 per
year in Pennsylvania alone. With this
number on the rise each year, officials from both the justice and education systems
have come up with a new idea that just may help…Youth Court.
What are Youth Courts? Youth Courts are an alternative
disciplinary system that are operated by trained youth, either in a school
setting, in the community or as part of the juvenile justice system. Here in York County, ‘Youth Court Alliance’
(YCA) was developed for students who are being fined for excessive truancy. If
students admit to the accusation of truancy, they may elect to participate in
Youth Court Alliance, rather than sit before a District Judge in traditional Magisterial
District Court. The current York City Youth Court Alliance itself is comprised
of upperclassmen from William Penn High School who have volunteered to serve as
members of the court in roles such as judge, bailiff, jury foreman and jurors. Students
receive legal training and hold hearings to determine the appropriate consequence
for truancy.
So does it work? Yes! Not only does it work, it also provides
an enriching experience for all involved. Youth Court Alliance allows students to
build on their public-speaking and problem-solving skills. It also provides
them with a voice to express their own ideas about justice as well as serve as
a platform for developing leadership skills. It’s also cost effective. Florida
reports an annual savings of $50 million per year by utilizing youth courts
instead of traditional truancy hearings with District Judges present.
The York County Youth Court
Alliance is wrapping up its first year so statistics on cost-savings is
not yet available. But, of the 35 cases the students have
heard in just three months, 30 of them have been successful or are on
their way to being successful. The Youth Court
Alliance, right now, is only for truant ninth graders. Yet our Members
indicate that they think it should be expanded to other grades. The
current program is funded by the PA Commission on Crime and Delinquency
and funding does exist for us to expand to additional grades over the
next year or two. York County Youth Court Alliance anticipates expanding to two additional school districts, Hanover
and Southeastern. This expansion is funded by the York County Human Services Division. We will keep you updated on progress!!
