Teen Services
Upper Valley Youth Court
An alternative approach to juvenile justice
About the Program
Youth Court is a state-of-the-art justice system in which young people who have committed a crime or violation are sentenced by a jury of their peers. A voluntary program, Youth Court serves as an alternative to traditional juvenile justice and is designed to divert anti-social behavior, increase accountability and prevent delinquency and future criminal behavior.
Just as young people can be impacted by negative peer pressure, they likewise can build self-esteem and a desire for self-improvement by positive peer leadership.
Youth Court generates a respect for the legal system and an understanding of the consequences of one’s actions. It offers an educational opportunity for young people who seek to become members of the Court.
Contact: Trainings happen on an ongoing basis.! To become a member of the Youth Court, call or email Siobhan Lopez, youth court coordinator, 603-518 4215, lopezs@cfsnh.org or contact the Upper Valley Regional Office of Child and Family Services, 603-298-8237.
Area Served: Upper Valley NH/VT
Types of Cases Heard in Youth Court
Cases are referred by local police, judges, and diversion boards. Typical cases that may be heard in Youth Court include, but are not limited to, shoplifting, criminal mischief, simple assault and vandalism.
What Happens in Youth Court
A youth who has committed an offense and has admitted guilt, appears before the jury for a sentencing hearing. The jury hears from the offender (and victim in some cases) and others who have been touched by the offense, asks questions, then deliberates to create a sentence recommendation.
Typical Progression of Youth Court Cases
After a young person has admitted guilt and agreed to participate in Youth Court, he will call the coordinator to schedule an intake interview. The interview includes at least one parent. Information about the program, dates and specifics will be shared and an assessment will be completed. The goal is to have a dispositional hearing within three weeks, with sanctions recommended at that time. Fulfilling the disposition may begin immediately.
Consequences For Youth Sentenced in Youth Court
At a dispositional hearing, juries don’t decide guilt or innocence, but work to find a solution that will benefit the respondent, the victim and the community. Dispositions are usually multi-faceted and can include:
- Written or verbal apologies
- Essays to demonstrate learning
- Community service
- Jury duty
- Educational classes
- Peer groups
- Curfews
- Mediation
Understanding Restorative Justice
Restorative justice principles are key in Youth Court. The philosophy behind restorative justice is that true justice is best served when it looks beyond retribution and works toward reparation. Its ideals dictate that offenders take responsibility for their actions, learn from their mistakes, redirect their lives and repair harm done, as much as possible, to make amends with the victims and restore goodwill to the community.
To Volunteer as a Youth Court Jury Member
Any young person who resides in the Upper Valley and is currently in high school can volunteer to be a member of Youth Court, as long as you currently have no charges pending against you. You may receive alternate or extra credit at school for participation. A Youth Court experience also provides great preparation for college, career and life.
Volunteer Responsibilities
- Serve on juries at biweekly court sessions
- Decide appropriate sentences for the youth who appear before you
- Participate in and learn about the legal system
- Spend time with youth from all walks of life in the Upper Valley
- Make a difference in your community and your life
Partners and Funders: Upper Valley Youth Court is a collaborative between Child and Family Services, Grafton County Family Division, and Lebanon Family Court.
The program is funded in part by:
- Gay H. Gahagan CLAT
- Mascoma Savings Bank Foundation
- Upper Valley Region, NH Charitable Foundation
