Join Youth Court

The Onondaga County Youth Court is currently recruiting new members from all schools in Onondaga County to volunteer and participate in our on-going peer court program.  Established in 1993, Youth Court is a diversion program that works closely with local law enforcement agencies to give first time offenders with non-violent Misdemeanor charges an alternative to Family Court or the Probation Department.  We operate year round and hold nine evening court sessions each month at various locations within the county (Baldwinsville, Camillus, Cicero, Dewitt, Fayetteville, & in the City of Syracuse).  
  
Youth Court volunteers, under adult supervision, work as bailiffs, prosecutors, defense counsel, and judges, questioning the offender, deliberating and imposing sentences.  Volunteers are given the opportunity to learn about responsible citizenship and law and develop skills in public speaking, deliberation, mediation, and pro-social leadership through hands-on experience.  Youth Court, which deals with real cases and real consequences, looks excellent on a college or job application.  This year we will handle over 300 cases. 
  
In order to become a member of Youth Court you will be required to fill out an application, attend a one-time training session, and shadow current Youth Court Members in all court roles.
 

Please fill out and submit a copy of the Youth Court Application and submit it as soon as possible in order to secure a spot at the next training.
 

If you have any questions, please contact Heather Saroney at (315) 295-0397 or by e-mail at youthcourt@newjusticeservices.org.
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