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 The number of youth courts in our Nation is soaring. In 1994, there were fewer than 80 youth courts. Today, that number has grown to more than 1,100 in 49 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. In recognition of these unique courts and the dedicated youth and adult volunteers who participate in them, OJJDP, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and the Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools will celebrate the 5th Annual National Youth Court Month in September. The theme is "Correcting Crooked Paths: Youth and Communities in Partnership for Justice." Also known as teen, peer, or student courts, youth courts offer an adjudicatory venue in which nonviolent juvenile offenders are sentenced by their peers. Youth courts can turn negative events in youths' lives into positive ones by holding youth accountable for their actions and helping them to straighten out their mistakes by giving back to the community through community service. According to OJJDP Administrator J. Robert Flores, "In youth court, young respondents learn that there are consequences for their misbehavior and that their peers are willing to take the time to ensure that those consequences are just. The community benefits by giving young respondents a chance to turn their lives around while educating youth volunteers about the value of participation in our justice system." National Seminar On September 13-15, 2006, in Albany, NY, the National Youth Court Center will conduct the training seminar "Developing and Implementing Youth Courts." Funded by OJJDP, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and the Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools, this interactive event will enable participants to gain a better understanding of the principles and practices of youth courts, learn how to implement a youth court in their jurisdiction, and network with other professionals interested in establishing youth courts. Administrator Flores will address the seminar. For More Information For more information about youth courts, visit the National Youth Court Center Web site: www.youthcourt.net. The Web site includes the 2006 National Youth Court Month Action Kit, developed to assist youth courts in planning, conducting, and promoting community projects and activities to be held during National Youth Court Month.
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