Orleans County seeks students to serve on Youth Court

Press Release, Department of Social Services

ALBION – The Orleans County Department of Social Services (DSS) is looking to recruit more young people to serve on the county’s Youth Court and has sent letters to the county’s five school districts looking for interested students.

Youth Court is an alternative for young people who face disciplinary action through school or law enforcement.

“Youth Court gives students who have made a mistake an opportunity to take responsibility, understand the consequences of their actions and find a path forward without entering the juvenile justice system,” said Jeannine Larkin, Youth Court coordinator for Orleans County Children & Family Services.  “The success of the program rests on the young people who serve on the Youth Court and make a commitment to helping their peers make better decisions.”

Larkin said the program currently has 19 members with each school district in the county represented. She said those interested in joining the program should see their school counselor or contact her directly at Jeannine.larkin@orleanscountyny.gov or call 585-297-0137 for applications and additional information.

Those who wish to serve take part in a six-week training seminar that will begin on Oct. 17 and run through Nov. 21 at the Dwight “Buzz” Hill Education Center on the Orleans County Fairgrounds in Knowlesville.  Participants will learn from trained professionals about restorative justice and how the legal system works from arrest through disposition of a case.

“This is a great program that helps those who participate develop valuable leadership skills and become positive role models for their peers,” Larkin said.  “It’s particularly gratifying when a young person who got into trouble, went through Youth Court and had a positive outcome, comes back to us to serve on the court to help others.”