CooperCounty Youth Court
200 Main St., Ste. 2
Boonville, MO65233
660-882-7472
Fax: 660-882-2795
e-mail: Allen.Hewerdine@courts.mo.gov
What is Youth Court?
Youth Court is an alternative sentencing program offered by the Cooper County Juvenile Office which diverts juvenile offenders from the formal juvenile court process. Juvenile offenders between the ages of 12 to 16 who have been referred to the Juvenile Office for misdemeanor or status offenses are eligible. Youth Court is comprised of volunteers, ages 12-18, who act as jurors, attorneys, the bailiff and the clerk.
What are the objectives of Youth Court?
The goals of Youth Court are to help the defendants to accept responsibility and restore justice for their actions, develop helpful skills for the future and connect to the community in a meaningful way.
Is the Youth Court really run by Teens?
While a judge or attorney presides over the Youth Court and adult volunteers are available for advice, all the roles in the court are filled by teenage volunteers, including the attorneys, the clerk, the bailiff, and the jurors.
Is it appropriate for teenage volunteers to decide whether or not their peers are guilty of offenses against the state?
No, teenagers can not legally act as a juror and determine guilt or innocence. The Youth Court provides a disposition or sentencing hearing only. In other words, it is not the job of the Youth Court to determine guilt or innocence, only to decide ways that the youthful defendant can make up for the harm he/she has caused. In order for youthful offenders to participate in Youth Court and be diverted from formal juvenile proceedings, it is necessary that both the defendants and their parents sign a waiver admitting to the offense and electing to participate in the Youth Court Program. The defendants must also show a genuine willingness to repair any harm they have caused through their actions. Provided the defendants meet these criteria, attend Youth Court and complete the sentence requirements decided upon by a jury of their peers, any and all formal charges by the State of Missouri are dropped.
What types of offenses are heard in Youth Court?
Crimes include misdemeanor law violations such as misdemeanor stealing or shoplifting, simple assault or fighting, property damage and/or possession of alcohol, tobacco or small amounts of marijuana. Other crimes include status offenses such as truancy.
What are some common sentences given to Youth Court Defendants?
All juveniles who go through Youth Court will be required to complete 30-60 Community Action Points (CAPS) and attend a Family Communications workshop. Other requirements may include community service hours, letters of apology, research papers, an interview with various members of the community and/or financial restitution. Additionally, youthful offenders may be required to attend courses on anger management, shoplifting and addiction.
How does the community benefit from Youth Court?
The Youth Court Program serves the community in numerous ways. It provides both the volunteers and defendants with a better understanding of the law, direct experience with the justice system and an opportunity to work with professional attorneys and members of the legal system. Furthermore, at risk youth with minor offenses are sometimes overlooked in the justice system. However, through Youth Court these youthful offenders are taught their behavior has consequences. The sentences, or dispositions, handed down through Youth Court are designed to help the defendants to learn from their mistakes, make amends for their actions and become more active participants in our community. Finally, Youth Court handles many of the offenders with minor offenses, who are referred to the Cooper County Juvenile Office, which in turn, allows the Juvenile Officers more time to focus on youth that are at greater risk.
Who can participate in Teen Court?
Any adult who is interested in helping youth to be more successful and active participants in our community can apply for a volunteer position. Three adult volunteers participate in each meeting of the Youth Court. These volunteers act as a Jury Consultant, a Disposition Processor and the Intake Coordinator. Adults, who submit an application, can expect to have their background and personal references checked.
Any youth between the ages of 12 and 16, who wishes to learn about the justice system, lay a foundation for a career in the legal system and/or become a more active member of our local community, is encouraged to submit a volunteer application. A teen volunteer can serve as a member of the jury, the bailiff, the clerk, the prosecuting attorney or the defense attorney.
Is there any training involved?
Teens, who volunteer for the program, will receive training to prepare them for participating in Youth Court. This training includes an introduction and overview of the justice system, restorative justice and the juror deliberation process. Volunteer Youth Court Attorneys receive additional training by practicing attorneys. Adults, who wish to volunteer, will be given an overview of the justice system and trained individually for their specific role in Youth Court.
What is the time commitment for a Youth Court Volunteer?
Youth Court comes to order every other Monday from 6:00pm to 8:00pm weather permitted. Our volunteers are invited to participate in each Youth Court they are willing and able to attend.
How are youthful offenders referred to Teen Court?
The Deputy Juvenile Officer will advise the Youth Court Coordinator on suitable candidates. Generally, juveniles will be first-time offenders who commit misdemeanor or status offenses and also show a willingness to make amends for their crimes.
How do I volunteer for the Youth Court Program?
Call the Youth Court Coordinator Allen Hewerdine at the Juvenile Office at 660-882-7472.