$20,000 awarded to Albany City School District to develop Youth Court
The U.S. Department of Justice - Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative has awarded $20,000 to the Albany City School District to develop a school-based Youth Court, according to Attorney Richard S. Hartunian.
The Albany Youth Court will be the newest addition to over 1,000 Youth Courts operating across the United States.
Youth Courts are structured to provide positive alternative sanctions for first-time, low level offenders by using a peer-driven sentencing mechanism that allows young people to take responsibility for their actions and be held accountable in ways that encourage them to get on the right track and avoid the criminal justice system.
Ninth graders committing low-level violations including disruptive behavior, minor altercations, intimidation, harassment, menacing, bullying, criminal mischief and/or theft will have the opportunity to appear before the Albany High School Youth Court.
