NCJ Number
162249
Date Published
Unknown
Length
18 pages
Annotation
The police department of Naperville, Ill. uses an innovative program called the Youth Jury, an organization of students of high school age who serve as an adjunct to the diversion programs of the agency's youth services unit.
Abstract
The Youth Jury provides an alternative to court for first-time admitted juvenile offenders who have committed minor offenses in which there are no restitution issues or extensive family problems. The Youth Jury acquaints these offenders with the law and judicial procedures and provides a nonthreatening setting in which offenders can interact with jurors consisting of their peers, instead of another authority figure. Jury members volunteer to take part. They meet monthly to hear cases and assign consequences, which usually consist of community service. The jury is designed to empower area youth to take part actively in the juvenile justice system. Through a cooperative effort involving youth, local government, and business, the Youth Jury encourages responsible youths to contribute to the law enforcement efforts. It benefits the community by providing voluntary public service, prevents crime through positive peer pressure, and has demonstrated its benefits. Forms and reprints of newspaper articles.