NAYC News Monthly E-Update

Federal Youth Court Program NAYC NEWS: The Monthly E-Update The World's Largest E-Update on Youth Courts, Teen Courts, Peer Courts and Student Courts Service of The Federal Youth Court Program
Volume 5, No. 1 Circulation 5,000	*January, 2007*
Announcements The Federal Youth Court will be providing three trainings in 2007 The first training will be in Las Vegas, NV February 25-28, 2007. There is still time to register, but 135 of the 150 registration slots have been filled, so act fast. For more information please log on to www.youthcourt.net. The other two trainings are tentatively scheduled for June 2007 and in the Fall of 2007. More information will be announced in the upcoming months. Help Us Update The National Program Directory 2007-2008 Every local youth court will receive two copies of the directory. Please help us make sure your youth court is listed with the correct information, including current program coordinators' name, email address, and phone number by April 2, 2007. The directory will be published and distributed in 2007. Please update your information for your Youth Court, Teen Court, Peer Court, Student Court by logging on to www.youthcourt.net or by emailing youthcourt@ncjfcj.org. No later than April 2, 2007. National & Global Youth Service Day is April 20-22, 2007 Hundreds of youth courts participate every year, start planning yours today! Log on to www.ysa.org/nysd for more information. May 1, 2007 is Law Day Start planning now! ABA Division for Public Education Liberty Under Law: Empowering Youth, Assuring Democracy. Hundreds of local youth court's are involved in the 2007 Law Day May 1, 2007 the theme for Law Day 2007 is Liberty Under Law: Empowering Youth, Assuring Democracy. Celebrated each year since 1958, Law Day is, in the words of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, "a day of national dedication to the principles of government under law." This year's theme invites us to listen to the voices of young people and consider how the law can better serve their needs and interests. Visit www.lawday.org to join the listserve; sign up for your free copy of the Law Day Planning Guide, and get tips on planning your own Law Day activities. Training, Technical Assistance and Other Opportunities Supreme Court History: The First Hundred Years PBS will broadcast two specials on the history of the Supreme Court of the United States. The shows are scheduled for 9 pm EST January 31 and February 7 and each is two hours long. Check local listing for times. Street Law has been working with this series and has prepared lesson plans to complement the shows. The lesson plans and extensive additional free materials, including an interactive web site, are available to you at www.pbs.org/wnet/supremecourt. Teachers can tape the show when it is broadcast and use it for classroom purposes for up to one year without seeking permission from PBS. The shows are also available in DVD format on the PBS online store. The National Service-Learning Conference: March 28-31, 2007 Albuquerque, NM The National Service-Learning Conference is the largest gathering of youth and practitioners from the service-learning movement. In 2006, it drew nearly 3,000 attendees from across the United States and 12 other countries. The theme of the 2007 conference is Beyond Borders, Beyond Boundaries, and will include a Global Forum, featuring international service-learning experts. To learn more, visit https://programs.regweb.com/metro/NYLC2007/registration/ Funding Opportunities Grants Support Maximizing Protective Factors Against Youth Violence The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services ( http://www.hhs.gov/ )' Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( http://www.cdc.gov/ ) is soliciting investigator-initiated researchers to conduct secondary analyses of existing data to identify potentially modifiable protective factors against youth violence. The research will inform the development of youth violence prevention programs and policies by identifying promising protective factors that reduce the likelihood of violence in the lives of young people. Approximately $400,000 is expected to be available. The application deadline is February 28, 2007. Resources: To obtain further information about this funding opportunity, including an application form, visit http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?oppId=113 The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention ( http://ojjdp.ncjrs.gov/ ) is a component of the Office of Justice Programs ( http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ ) in the U.S. Department of Justice( http://www.usdoj.gov/ ). Publications and Resources Report Describes Guidelines for Juvenile Information Sharing The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) announce the availability of "Guidelines for Juvenile Information Sharing." This online report outlines a course of action for states and local jurisdictions involved in efforts to improve information sharing among key agencies that work with at-risk youth and juvenile offenders. The guidelines integrate the three critical components of juvenile information sharing—collaboration, confidentiality, and technology—into an effective developmental framework. Resources: "Guidelines for Juvenile Information Sharing" (NCJ 215786) is available online at http://ojjdp.ncjrs.gov/publications/PubAbstract.asp?pubi=237372. Review Features State Juvenile Justice Legislation The National Juvenile Defender Center has released the "2006 State Juvenile Justice Legislation Review." The review examines juvenile justice legislation by issue and state and enables users to analyze changes in the law and trends in legislative activity at the national and state levels. Resources: To access the review, visit http://www.njdc.info/pdf/2006%20State%20JJ%20Legislation.pdf. The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention is a component of the Office of Justice Programs in the U.S. Department of Justice. “Easy Access to State and County Juvenile Court Case Counts” “Easy Access” is a family of web-based data analysis tools developed for the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention by the National Center for Juvenile Justice (NCJJ) to give a larger audience access to current, detailed information on juvenile crime and the juvenile justice system. Together, the Easy Access applications provide information on national, state, and county population counts, as well as information on homicide victims and offenders, juvenile court case processing, and juvenile offenders in residential placement facilities. Visit the Data Analysis Tools section of OJJDP’s Statistical Briefing Book for a complete list of these applications. http://ojjdp.ncjrs.org/ojstatbb/ezaco/default.asp New COPS Publication on School-Based Partnerships The Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) announces the availability of "School-Based Partnerships: A Problem-Solving Strategy." The COPS Office funded the School-Based Partnerships grant program for the purpose of partnering law enforcement agencies with schools to address crime and disorder problems in and around middle and high schools. The report focuses on three school-based partnership sites and their use of the SARA (Scanning, Analysis, Response, and Assessment) problem-solving process to address specific issues in their schools: students and teachers feeling threatened, illegal drug sales, and truancy. Resources: "School-Based Partnerships: A Problem-Solving Strategy" (NCJ 216230) is available online at http://www.cops.usdoj.gov/mime/open.pdf?Item=1920. Washington Youth Voice Handbook Now Available CommonAction is excited to announce the availability of the brand-new Washington Youth Voice Handbook. This 150+ page publication provides a clear map to the essentials of Youth Voice, including "What, Why, Where, When, and How" Youth Voice happens in diverse communities across Washington State. More than 50 programs, schools, and organizations are featured. To lean more, visit http://www.commonaction.org/publications.htm. Monitoring the Future Monitoring the future is an ongoing study of the behaviors, attitudes, and values of American secondary school students, college students, and young adults. Each year, a total of approximately 50,000 8th, 10th and 12th grade students are surveyed (12th graders since 1975, and 8th and 10th graders since 1991). In addition, annual follow-up questionnaires are mailed to a sample of each graduating class for a number of years after their initial participation. http://monitoringthefuture.org/ State Juvenile Justice Profiles The State Juvenile Justice Profiles web site features rich, descriptive information and analysis regarding each state's juvenile justice system, illustrating the uniqueness of the 51 separate juvenile justice systems in this country. http://www.ncjj.org/stateprofiles/ State and Local News Alaska-United Youth Courts of Alaska Alaska Youth Court Annual Conference was held on the island of Kodiak in the Gulf of Alaska in November, 2006. There were 114 youth volunteers and 22 presenters that attended the three day educational conference. The United Youth Courts of Alaska also held a special conference to prepare 10^th graders to be leaders of youth courts in the future. This conference was funded by OJJDP was held in Anchorage over the first weekend in December. Through six sessions the group explored strategies of recruitment and retention of youth volunteers. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs was examined in light of Youth Court volunteers and offenders. For more information contact: Bob Coghill by email: uyca@alaska.net Arizona - Teen Court We are happy to announce that Arizona has received one of 20 grants from OJJDP to support the Arizona Teen Court Association (AzTCA). In addition to a grant of $9,270 from the Arizona Supreme Court's Juvenile Crime Reduction Fund and in-kind support from the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education, the AzTCA has hit the ground running! Grant support provided for 34 teen court facilitators from across the state to attend a day-long teen court professional development track at the Annual Law, Youth and Citizenship Education Conference in September. Plans are also underway to hold a statewide youth summit this spring. In addition grants will support the following activities: 1. AzTeenCourt.org website and listserv; 2. Statewide program to recognize student and facilitator excellence in Arizona Teen Court programs; 3. Statewide youth summit that will bring together youth and adult leaders of teen court programs from across the state; and 4. Create a “starter kit” that can be used by judges, schools and community volunteers to establish a new teen court in Arizona. For more information please contact Jeffery by email at jeffrey.schrade@azteencourt.org. California Association of Youth Courts It has been decided the official name for the California Youth Court Association is California Association of Youth Courts. The decision was finalized at the Association’s December 1, 2007 meeting. Pomona, California-Youth Courts Rely on Interagency Partnerships Even though they face a jury made up of young people, teen defendants still face consequences for the negative behavior that landed them in Teen Court. Cases involving youths from Covina, Glendora, San Dimas, La Verne, Claremont and Pomona,CA can go to Pomona Teen Court, though about nine out of 10 cases involve Pomona youth, said Russo. Since 1999, the Pomona Teen Court has heard 185 cases and more than 12,200 young people have observed proceedings. The Teen Court has a Superior Court Judge overseeing the process and jurors are students from Pomona high schools. "We chose to use the judge model because the judge is respected," Russo said. "We have the rule of law behind us." Judge Martha E. Bellinger, one of three judges who volunteer their time with the program, said "my role there is to make sure a miscarriage of justice doesn't occur." Sometimes a jury will set sanctions that may take up a great deal of time when they combine counseling, community service and keeping up grades in school, she said. Its then she steps in and makes adjustments. The defendants are first time offenders who committed minor crimes such as petty theft, fighting on campus or possession of drugs. It's also their first offense, Coronado said. Law enforcement sends the cases to the district attorney and if charges are not filed, the case goes to the Probation Department where officials select cases for Teen Court. Duplin County, North Carolina - Teen Court Banquet Duplin County’s Teen Court 2006 Christmas Banquet was filled with inspiring music, warm fellowship and an uplifting message. “Turn Stumbling Blocks into Stepping Stones.” The annual event was held at KEMBA (Kenansville Missionary Baptist Association Building) in Warsaw, North Carolina on Saturday, December 16, at 6:00 p.m. Dr. Ruby Bell, a noted North Carolina educator from Clinton, was the keynote speaker. Paris Faison served as emcee, Diane Herring welcomed the guests, and Patsy McCoy stated the purpose of the gathering. Teen Court, she explained, is an alternative system of justice. It is a diversionary court program that keeps first time juvenile offenders out of the judicial system. Offenders are tried by a jury of their peers for misdemeanor offenses. Teen Court neither determines guilt nor innocence; rather it recommends a constructive sentence for the juvenile defendant. Teen Court is also a “hands on” educational experience for youth volunteers in an effort to help them better understand the American legal system. It was those dedicated volunteers who were honored at the event. For more information contact: Scott Peterson by email at scott.peterson2@usdoj.gov . Hammond City, Indiana -Volunteers Award Luncheon for Lake County Scott Yanci, received the Mayor's Distinguished Award for serving as a volunteer Teen Court Judge in the Hammond City Court. He assisted in coordination and serves as Judge for Teen Court in Judge Harkin’s Court Room Irving, Texas- Irving Teen Court Receives AllState Grant The Irving Teen Court Program is the recipient of a grant from the Allstate Insurance Company. In 2004 The Teen Court received an initial grant in the amount of $12,000. In 2005, the grant was increased to $14,000 and the amount received in 2006 was $ 15,000. Funds from the grant are used to finance anger management classes and life skills classes for teen court defendants, as well as providing recognition events for teens and adults who volunteer in the teen court program. Pierre, South Dakota- Area Teens Learn First-Hand About Judicial Process Teen Court participants get opportunity to watch Reay trial The Brad Reay, SD trial has generated attention locally for the legal process; drawing spectators each day to the hearings. Some of these spectators are attending as part of the South Dakota Teen Court program. Noreen Plumage, Teen Court Coordinator, said exposure to the trial will give the students greater insight into the legal process. A group of Teen Court volunteers heard opening statements last week, and several others have attended more sessions. Lindsey Rogers, a junior at Stanley County High School, said attending the opening statements piqued her interest in the trial." The way they really set everything up made me want to go to more sessions." Other students, who had previously considered studying law, said the trial has given them second thoughts. South Dakota currently has seven teen courts operating in 11 counties. Plumage said the local teen court has approximately 45 members. Justice Walk, February 2, 2007 - South Dakota Teen Courts The South Dakota Teen Court Association will be sponsoring a “Justice Walk" on February 2, 2007 at the State Capital. Participants from seven existing teen courts will gather in Pierre to promote awareness about Teen Courts. The youth will have the opportunity to watch the Legislature at work and hear a special presentation by Attorney General Larry Long. A tour of the division of Criminal Investigation Building is on the agenda. Lunch will be served in the Capitol Rotunda and Legislators will be invited to get a breath of fresh air with Teen Court volunteers on their “Justice Walk” around the capitol building. This event is made possible through grant dollars provided to the State Association by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention in Washington, D.C. For more information please contact Michelle by email at michellebg@co.pennington.sd.us. North Texas Teen Court Volunteer Training & Competition- March 3, 2007 Texas Wesleyan Law School (Ft. Worth) in partnership with North Texas Teen Courts will host a Volunteer Training & Competition on Saturday March 3, 2007. Eight Teen Courts from Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex are scheduled to participate. Local judges will preside over the cases and Wesleyan law students will assist in training the youth as they prepare their cases and evaluate case performance. Legislation/Research An Update on Teen Court Legislation Published with support from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the 12-page bulletin offers an overview of youth court legislation in the United States. This bulletin, written by Michelle E. Heward, a professor of criminal justice at Weber State University in Ogden, Utah, provides a helpful resource for states contemplating revising or drafting such legislation. “An Update on Teen Court Legislation” is available online at http://www.youthcourt.net/publications/paper.pdf. In The News http://www.oaoa.com/news/nw012307g.htm http://www.thisiswiltshire.co.uk/news/headlines/display.var.1140234.0.police_seize_phones_to_find_attack_footage.php http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/localheadlines/display.var.1140789.0.boys_took_part_in_attack_on_youth.php http://www.freenewmexican.com/news/55633.html http://www.statesmanjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070122/ITK/701220311/1016 http://www.missoulian.com/articles/2007/01/21/news/local/news02.txt http://www.wlbt.com/Global/story.asp?S=5966955&nav=2CSf http://www.bonitanews.com/news/2007/jan/20/estero_senior_organizing_give_child_wish_trip_loca/ http://denver.yourhub.com/HIGHLANDSRANCH/Stories/News/General-News/Story~172746.aspx http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/3933823a12855.html http://www.greatfallstribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070118/NEWS01/701180311/1002/rss http://www.stargazettenews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070131/NEWS01/701310334 http://www.edmontonsun.com/News/Edmonton/2007/01/31/3489389-sun.html http://www.edmontonsun.com/News/Edmonton/2007/01/31/3489396-sun.html Encourage others to subscribe! Forward this message to adult & youth involved in Local Youth Courts. We are always interested in your comments and ideas. Please contact us. Have things you would like us to include in future issues of the NAYC News Monthly E-Update? Click here.	In this Issue: Announcements Training, Technical Assistance and Other Opportunities Funding Opportunities Publications and Resources State and Local News State Association Updates Legislation/Research In the News Sponsored by: Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Department of Education National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges You can print 8-1/2 x 11 versions of your choice of poster on your own color printer. Great for posting on bulletin boards or using as flyers! To access the .PDF click on the picture of the poster version you are interested in from the four versions shown below, or go to www.youthcourt.net. (Youth Court) (Teen Court) (Peer Court) (Student Court) Encourage Others to Join the more than 5,000 persons who receive the NAYC News Monthly E-Update! Increase support for your youth court on a local level by keeping your local stakeholders informed of what is going on nationally in the youth court field. Print a copy of this issue and distribute it to your advisory committee members, board of directors, and youth volunteers. Encourage them to visit www.youthcourt.net where they can register to receive a free copy.
Contact Us: Federal Youth Court Program Phone: 775-784-6715 National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges Fax: 775-784-6628 P.O. Box 8970 Email: youthcourt@ncjfcj.org Reno, NV 89507 Website: www.youthcourt.net Veronica Medina, Program Manager Britney Batz, Project Coordinator
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Federal Youth Court Program

NAYC NEWS: The Monthly E-Update

The World's Largest E-Update on Youth Courts, Teen Courts, Peer Courts and Student Courts
Service of The Federal Youth Court Program

Volume 5, No. 1 Circulation 5,000

January, 2007

Announcements

The Federal Youth Court will be providing three trainings in 2007

The first training will be in Las Vegas, NV February 25-28, 2007. There is still time to register, but 135 of the 150 registration slots have been filled, so act fast. For more information please log on to www.youthcourt.net. The other two trainings are tentatively scheduled for June 2007 and in the Fall of 2007. More information will be announced in the upcoming months.

Help Us Update The National Program Directory 2007-2008

Every local youth court will receive two copies of the directory. Please help us make sure your youth court is listed with the correct information, including current program coordinators' name, email address, and phone number by April 2, 2007. The directory will be published and distributed in 2007.

Please update your information for your Youth Court, Teen Court, Peer Court, Student Court by logging on to www.youthcourt.net or by emailing youthcourt@ncjfcj.org. No later than April 2, 2007.

National & Global Youth Service Day is April 20-22, 2007

Hundreds of youth courts participate every year, start planning yours today! Log on to www.ysa.org/nysd for more information.

May 1, 2007 is Law Day Start planning now! ABA Division for Public Education Liberty Under Law: Empowering Youth, Assuring Democracy.

Hundreds of local youth court's are involved in the 2007 Law Day May 1, 2007 the theme for Law Day 2007 is Liberty Under Law: Empowering Youth, Assuring Democracy. Celebrated each year since 1958, Law Day is, in the words of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, "a day of national dedication to the principles of government under law." This year's theme invites us to listen to the voices of young people and consider how the law can better serve their needs and interests. Visit www.lawday.org to join the listserve; sign up for your free copy of the Law Day Planning Guide, and get tips on planning your own Law Day activities.

Training, Technical Assistance and Other Opportunities

Supreme Court History: The First Hundred Years

PBS will broadcast two specials on the history of the Supreme Court of the United States. The shows are scheduled for 9 pm EST January 31 and February 7 and each is two hours long. Check local listing for times.

Street Law has been working with this series and has prepared lesson plans to complement the shows. The lesson plans and extensive additional free materials, including an interactive web site, are available to you at www.pbs.org/wnet/supremecourt.

Teachers can tape the show when it is broadcast and use it for classroom purposes for up to one year without seeking permission from PBS. The shows are also available in DVD format on the PBS online store.

The National Service-Learning Conference: March 28-31, 2007 Albuquerque, NM

The National Service-Learning Conference is the largest gathering of youth and practitioners from the service-learning movement. In 2006, it drew nearly 3,000 attendees from across the United States and 12 other countries. The theme of the 2007 conference is Beyond Borders, Beyond Boundaries, and will include a Global Forum, featuring international service-learning experts. To learn more, visit https://programs.regweb.com/metro/NYLC2007/registration/

Funding Opportunities

Grants Support Maximizing Protective Factors Against Youth Violence

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services ( http://www.hhs.gov/ )' Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( http://www.cdc.gov/ ) is soliciting investigator-initiated researchers to conduct secondary analyses of existing data to identify potentially modifiable protective factors against youth violence. The research will inform the development of youth violence prevention programs and policies by identifying promising protective factors that reduce the likelihood of violence in the lives of young people. Approximately $400,000 is expected to be available.

The application deadline is February 28, 2007.
Resources: To obtain further information about this funding opportunity, including an application form, visit http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?oppId=113
The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention ( http://ojjdp.ncjrs.gov/ ) is a component of the Office of Justice Programs ( http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ ) in the U.S. Department of Justice( http://www.usdoj.gov/ ).

Publications and Resources

Report Describes Guidelines for Juvenile Information Sharing

The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) announce the availability of "Guidelines for Juvenile Information Sharing." This online report outlines a course of action for states and local jurisdictions involved in efforts to improve information sharing among key agencies that work with at-risk youth and juvenile offenders.
The guidelines integrate the three critical components of juvenile information sharing—collaboration, confidentiality, and technology—into an effective developmental framework.

Resources: "Guidelines for Juvenile Information Sharing" (NCJ 215786) is available online at http://ojjdp.ncjrs.gov/publications/PubAbstract.asp?pubi=237372.

Review Features State Juvenile Justice Legislation

The National Juvenile Defender Center has released the "2006 State Juvenile Justice Legislation Review." The review examines juvenile justice legislation by issue and state and enables users to analyze changes in the law and trends in legislative activity at the national and state levels.

Resources: To access the review, visit http://www.njdc.info/pdf/2006%20State%20JJ%20Legislation.pdf.
The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention is a component of the Office of Justice Programs in the U.S. Department of Justice.

“Easy Access to State and County Juvenile Court Case Counts”

“Easy Access” is a family of web-based data analysis tools developed for the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention by the National Center for Juvenile Justice (NCJJ) to give a larger audience access to current, detailed information on juvenile crime and the juvenile justice system. Together, the Easy Access applications provide information on national, state, and county population counts, as well as information on homicide victims and offenders, juvenile court case processing, and juvenile offenders in residential placement facilities.

Visit the Data Analysis Tools section of OJJDP’s Statistical Briefing Book for a complete list of these applications. http://ojjdp.ncjrs.org/ojstatbb/ezaco/default.asp

New COPS Publication on School-Based Partnerships

The Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) announces the availability of "School-Based Partnerships: A Problem-Solving Strategy." The COPS Office funded the School-Based Partnerships grant program for the purpose of partnering law enforcement agencies with schools to address crime and disorder problems in and around middle and high schools.
The report focuses on three school-based partnership sites and their use of the SARA (Scanning, Analysis, Response, and Assessment) problem-solving process to address specific issues in their schools: students and teachers feeling threatened, illegal drug sales, and truancy. Resources: "School-Based Partnerships: A Problem-Solving Strategy" (NCJ 216230) is available online at http://www.cops.usdoj.gov/mime/open.pdf?Item=1920.

Washington Youth Voice Handbook Now Available

CommonAction is excited to announce the availability of the brand-new Washington Youth Voice Handbook. This 150+ page publication provides a clear map to the essentials of Youth Voice, including "What, Why, Where, When, and How" Youth Voice happens in diverse communities across Washington State. More than 50 programs, schools, and organizations are featured.

To lean more, visit http://www.commonaction.org/publications.htm.

Monitoring the Future

Monitoring the future is an ongoing study of the behaviors, attitudes, and values of American secondary school students, college students, and young adults. Each year, a total of approximately 50,000 8th, 10th and 12th grade students are surveyed (12th graders since 1975, and 8th and 10th graders since 1991). In addition, annual follow-up questionnaires are mailed to a sample of each graduating class for a number of years after their initial participation. http://monitoringthefuture.org/

State Juvenile Justice Profiles

The State Juvenile Justice Profiles web site features rich, descriptive information and analysis regarding each state's juvenile justice system, illustrating the uniqueness of the 51 separate juvenile justice systems in this country.

http://www.ncjj.org/stateprofiles/

State and Local News

Alaska-United Youth Courts of Alaska

Alaska Youth Court Annual Conference was held on the island of Kodiak in the Gulf of Alaska in November, 2006. There were 114 youth volunteers and 22 presenters that attended the three day educational conference. The United Youth Courts of Alaska also held a special conference to prepare 10^th graders to be leaders of youth courts in the future. This conference was funded by OJJDP was held in Anchorage over the first weekend in December. Through six sessions the group explored strategies of recruitment and retention of youth volunteers. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs was examined in light of Youth Court volunteers and offenders. For more information contact: Bob Coghill by email: uyca@alaska.net

Arizona - Teen Court

We are happy to announce that Arizona has received one of 20 grants from OJJDP to support the Arizona Teen Court Association (AzTCA). In addition to a grant of $9,270 from the Arizona Supreme Court's Juvenile Crime Reduction Fund and in-kind support from the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education, the AzTCA has hit the ground running!

Grant support provided for 34 teen court facilitators from across the state to attend a day-long teen court professional development track at the Annual Law, Youth and Citizenship Education Conference in September. Plans are also underway to hold a statewide youth summit this spring. In addition grants will support the following activities:

1. AzTeenCourt.org website and listserv;

2. Statewide program to recognize student and facilitator excellence in Arizona Teen Court programs;

3. Statewide youth summit that will bring together youth and adult leaders of teen court programs from across the state; and

4. Create a “starter kit” that can be used by judges, schools and community volunteers to establish a new teen court in Arizona. For more information please contact Jeffery by email at jeffrey.schrade@azteencourt.org.

California Association of Youth Courts

It has been decided the official name for the California Youth Court Association is California Association of Youth Courts. The decision was finalized at the Association’s December 1, 2007 meeting.

Pomona, California-Youth Courts Rely on Interagency Partnerships

Even though they face a jury made up of young people, teen defendants still face consequences for the negative behavior that landed them in Teen Court. Cases involving youths from Covina, Glendora, San Dimas, La Verne, Claremont and Pomona,CA can go to Pomona Teen Court, though about nine out of 10 cases involve Pomona youth, said Russo. Since 1999, the Pomona Teen Court has heard 185 cases and more than 12,200 young people have observed proceedings.

The Teen Court has a Superior Court Judge overseeing the process and jurors are students from Pomona high schools. "We chose to use the judge model because the judge is respected," Russo said. "We have the rule of law behind us." Judge Martha E. Bellinger, one of three judges who volunteer their time with the program, said "my role there is to make sure a miscarriage of justice doesn't occur." Sometimes a jury will set sanctions that may take up a great deal of time when they combine counseling, community service and keeping up grades in school, she said. Its then she steps in and makes adjustments.

The defendants are first time offenders who committed minor crimes such as petty theft, fighting on campus or possession of drugs. It's also their first offense, Coronado said. Law enforcement sends the cases to the district attorney and if charges are not filed, the case goes to the Probation Department where officials select cases for Teen Court.

Duplin County, North Carolina - Teen Court Banquet

Duplin County’s Teen Court 2006 Christmas Banquet was filled with inspiring music, warm fellowship and an uplifting message. “Turn Stumbling Blocks into Stepping Stones.” The annual event was held at KEMBA (Kenansville Missionary Baptist Association Building) in Warsaw, North Carolina on Saturday, December 16, at 6:00 p.m. Dr. Ruby Bell, a noted North Carolina educator from Clinton, was the keynote speaker. Paris Faison served as emcee, Diane Herring welcomed the guests, and Patsy McCoy stated the purpose of the gathering. Teen Court, she explained, is an alternative system of justice. It is a diversionary court program that keeps first time juvenile offenders out of the judicial system. Offenders are tried by a jury of their peers for misdemeanor offenses.

Teen Court neither determines guilt nor innocence; rather it recommends a constructive sentence for the juvenile defendant. Teen Court is also a “hands on” educational experience for youth volunteers in an effort to help them better understand the American legal system. It was those dedicated volunteers who were honored at the event. For more information contact: Scott Peterson by email at scott.peterson2@usdoj.gov .

Hammond City, Indiana -Volunteers Award Luncheon for Lake County

Scott Yanci, received the Mayor's Distinguished Award for serving as a volunteer Teen Court Judge in the Hammond City Court. He assisted in coordination and serves as Judge for Teen Court in Judge Harkin’s Court Room

Irving, Texas- Irving Teen Court Receives AllState Grant

The Irving Teen Court Program is the recipient of a grant from the Allstate Insurance Company. In 2004 The Teen Court received an initial grant in the amount of $12,000. In 2005, the grant was increased to $14,000 and the amount received in 2006 was $ 15,000. Funds from the grant are used to finance anger management classes and life skills classes for teen court defendants, as well as providing recognition events for teens and adults who volunteer in the teen court program.

Pierre, South Dakota- Area Teens Learn First-Hand About Judicial Process

Teen Court participants get opportunity to watch Reay trial

The Brad Reay, SD trial has generated attention locally for the legal process; drawing spectators each day to the hearings. Some of these spectators are attending as part of the South Dakota Teen Court program. Noreen Plumage, Teen Court Coordinator, said exposure to the trial will give the students greater insight into the legal process. A group of Teen Court volunteers heard opening statements last week, and several others have attended more sessions. Lindsey Rogers, a junior at Stanley County High School, said attending the opening statements piqued her interest in the trial." The way they really set everything up made me want to go to more sessions." Other students, who had previously considered studying law, said the trial has given them second thoughts. South Dakota currently has seven teen courts operating in 11 counties. Plumage said the local teen court has approximately 45 members.

Justice Walk, February 2, 2007 - South Dakota Teen Courts

The South Dakota Teen Court Association will be sponsoring a “Justice Walk" on February 2, 2007 at the State Capital. Participants from seven existing teen courts will gather in Pierre to promote awareness about Teen Courts. The youth will have the opportunity to watch the Legislature at work and hear a special presentation by Attorney General Larry Long. A tour of the division of Criminal Investigation Building is on the agenda. Lunch will be served in the Capitol Rotunda and Legislators will be invited to get a breath of fresh air with Teen Court volunteers on their “Justice Walk” around the capitol building. This event is made possible through grant dollars provided to the State Association by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention in Washington, D.C. For more information please contact Michelle by email at michellebg@co.pennington.sd.us.

North Texas Teen Court Volunteer Training & Competition- March 3, 2007

Texas Wesleyan Law School (Ft. Worth) in partnership with North Texas Teen Courts will host a Volunteer Training & Competition on Saturday March 3, 2007. Eight Teen Courts from Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex are scheduled to participate. Local judges will preside over the cases and Wesleyan law students will assist in training the youth as they prepare their cases and evaluate case performance.

Legislation/Research

An Update on Teen Court Legislation

Published with support from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the 12-page bulletin offers an overview of youth court legislation in the United States. This bulletin, written by Michelle E. Heward, a professor of criminal justice at Weber State University in Ogden, Utah, provides a helpful resource for states contemplating revising or drafting such legislation. “An Update on Teen Court Legislation” is available online at http://www.youthcourt.net/publications/paper.pdf.

In The News

http://www.oaoa.com/news/nw012307g.htm

http://www.thisiswiltshire.co.uk/news/headlines/display.var.1140234.0.police_seize_phones_to_find_attack_footage.php

http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/localheadlines/display.var.1140789.0.boys_took_part_in_attack_on_youth.php

http://www.freenewmexican.com/news/55633.html

http://www.statesmanjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070122/ITK/701220311/1016

http://www.missoulian.com/articles/2007/01/21/news/local/news02.txt

http://www.wlbt.com/Global/story.asp?S=5966955&nav=2CSf

http://www.bonitanews.com/news/2007/jan/20/estero_senior_organizing_give_child_wish_trip_loca/

http://denver.yourhub.com/HIGHLANDSRANCH/Stories/News/General-News/Story~172746.aspx

http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/3933823a12855.html

http://www.greatfallstribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070118/NEWS01/701180311/1002/rss

http://www.stargazettenews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070131/NEWS01/701310334

http://www.edmontonsun.com/News/Edmonton/2007/01/31/3489389-sun.html

http://www.edmontonsun.com/News/Edmonton/2007/01/31/3489396-sun.html

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In this Issue:

Announcements
Training, Technical Assistance and Other Opportunities
Funding Opportunities
Publications and Resources
State and Local News
State Association Updates
Legislation/Research
In the News

Sponsored by:

Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Department of Education

National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges

New
Volunteer
Recruitment
Posters
are now
available
in .PDF
format!

You can print 8-1/2 x 11 versions of your choice of poster on your own color printer. Great for posting on bulletin boards or using as flyers!

To access the .PDF click on the picture of the poster version you are interested in from the four versions shown below, or go to www.youthcourt.net.

(Youth Court)

(Teen Court)

(Peer Court)

(Student Court)

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   Contact Us:

    Federal Youth Court Program                                                                            Phone: 775-784-6715
    National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges                                  Fax: 775-784-6628
    P.O. Box 8970                                                                                                   Email: youthcourt@ncjfcj.org
    Reno, NV 89507                                                                                               Website: www.youthcourt.net

    Veronica Medina, Program Manager
    Britney Batz, Project Coordinator

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