We believe every juvenile deserves a second chance
What is Youth Court?
Youth Court is an alternative to the Juvenile Court. First and second time offenders are referred to Youth Court, a peer court composed of junior and senior high school students. If chosen they will be tried, defended, judged and convicted or exonerated by a court made up of their peers. Adults will monitor the proceedings at all times.
Once sentence is completed and the juvenile turns 17 their record is destroyed.
The primary goals of the Independence Youth Court are to teach high risk youth the necessity of taking responsibility for their own actions, to provide an alternative to the Jackson County Family Court process, and for the youth to avoid further contact with the Police.
Independence Youth Court is funded by the City of Independence and the Jackson County COMBAT (Community Backed Anti Drug Tax) Program. Without this funding our program would not exist.
