Overview

Youth Peer Court (YPC) gives young people who cause harm an alternative to the formal juvenile legal system through a voluntary, peer-driven restorative process. Participants serve as counsel or fact-finders after receiving instruction on the legal system, training in the PEER curriculum, and mentorship from seasoned legal professionals. The program empowers youth to take meaningful accountability, build cultural competence, empathy, and equity, and transform the system from retributive to restorative justice.

YPC accepts referrals for behavior that would amount to a misdemeanor or non-violent felony, providing a community-based diversion that prioritizes growth, healing, and connection. Admission of harm is required, and each referral is evaluated prior to acceptance. YPC's goals include:

• Reducing minority representation in the juvenile legal system
• Providing accountability without collateral legal consequences
• Repairing harm and building relationships
• Reducing the likelihood of future harmful offenses
• Developing leaders with confidence, knowledge, and empathy to create just and equitable systems