The youth of Tioga county are in need of assistance. Who better to serve them than their own peers?

Youth courts exist today as an alternative to traditional sentencing. They offer an alternative form of accountability to the communities they serve. Youth under this proposed program would, in their sentencing stage, receive a choice to proceed under the judicial system, or instead opt to be sentenced by their peers.

"According to the National Youth Court Database, in 1994 there were only 78 youth court programs in operation; as of October 2006, there were over 1,127 youth court programs in operation in 49 states and the District of Columbia." - National Association of Youth Courts - Facts and Stats page http://www.youthcourt.net/

Typically 72% of youth offenders who go before a judge, appear before a judge again for other offences in the future. If they go before the Youth Court, that number drops to 20%. Wow! What a difference we can make in our community for the cause of Christ.

We are in the beginning stages of this endeavor and desire to do it right the first time. If you or someone you know is interested in helping make this a reality, please contact us.