Syracuse Youth Court

Restorative Justice
What is Restorative Justice?
Restorative Justice is a model of justice that prioritizes
meeting the needs of both the victim and the offender
rather than simply inflicting punishment.

It focuses on helping the offender realize the

consequences of their decisions for those around them,
and it holds them accountable for their specific actions.
Restorative
● Focuses on teaching and helping the
offender
● Meets the needs of the victims and the
offender
● Used in a significant number of
diversion programs
● Unique disposition created to meet the
unique needs of the offender
vs Punitive
● Focuses on punishing the offender
● Tries to enact justice at the expense of
the offender
● Historically, almost all juvenile courts in
the United States operate in a more
punitive fashion
● Often inflicted in the form of
fines/fees/community service hours
● Generic for everyone regardless of
circumstances
● In 1999, 75% of all juvenile crimes were
committed by less than 10% of Utah’s
youth (utcourts.gov)
Statistics
In 2007 the university of Wisconsin found that restorative justice lead to
significant decrease in youth violence, arrests, crime, and recidivism.

In 1989, New Zealand adopted a nation-wide restorative justice approach. 70%

of youth participants had no further contacts with the justice system.

5 years after the program began violent juvenile offenses decreased 49% and
overall juvenile arrest rates decreased 45%

San Bruno County showed a decrease in violent reoffending by 82.6% after 16

weeks of participating in a restorative justice program.

West Oakland’s Cole Middle School reduced the rate of suspension in its first
year by more than 75% after instigating a restorative justice program.
 The Three Pillars of Restorative Justice

Accountability Skill Development Community

Connection
Disposition & Classes
● We offer 3 classes here at our youth court. Anyone referred to us with a
traffic related case will attend our Traffic Class and all other cases will go
to our Non-Judicial Class and Choices Class.
● Traffic Class
● Non-Judicial Class
● Choices Class
Confidentiality

● Notarized oath & formal oaths taken

● Serious repercussions for broken oaths
● WE want these individuals to feel comfortable and safe
 Reviews
Parent
“I liked that is helped him realize the seriousness of his actions without giving him a permanent record as would happen
with Juvenile Court.”
Parent
“This was an effective way to help my son understand that there are consequences for every choice he makes. It held him
accountable in a way that I could not. Thank you!”
Parent
“I thought this was a great alternative to allow good kids who may have made a mistake not be crushed by the ‘adult’ court
system. I really think this will always be remembered positively.”

Parent
“Great program giving kids a second chance before he gets older. Keep it up”

Youth
“I appreciate the positive and forgiving atmosphere.”
Parent
How helpful was the peer contact?
“It was good. She supported my child in doing her homework and not judging her negatively”
What did you like about Youth Court?
“The peer element. My child felt like everyone her age would mock authority. It was good for her to see peers respect
laws and adhere to them.”
Reviews
Parent survey
“Thank you for providing this opportunity. What an example these young people are to my son.”
Parent
“It gives youth the opportunity to learn from their mistakes in a positive atmosphere.”
Youth
“I liked the choices class and just the overall way of things were done. It wasn’t bad or uncomfortable at all it was all very
welcoming.”

Parent
“I believe this experience has opened her eyes to the negative effects of her choices and has helped her steer her life on
to a new and correct path.”

Parent
“I feel it helped my child realize the impact vaping can have on not only self, but family.”

Parent
“The Youth Court is a great way of helping prevent at risk behavior. I was impressed by how professional and
knowledgeable peer judge and volunteers were. Keep up the great work.”

Youth
“I am so thankful for the opportunity to have a second chance. Thank you so much for letting me be a part of Youth
Court.”
Judge Michelle Heward
Judge Heward is a Juvenile Court Judge, appointed by the governor in 2010 to
serve in the Second District. She helped pass the Utah Youth Court Act in 1999
and has served on state and national youth court boards and committees. She
was a professor at Weber State for 15 years, teaching law in
undergraduate and graduate programs. She has served
on the Board of Juvenile Court Judges including as the chair. She
currently serves on state and local committees dealing primarily with
education, child welfare, and strengthening families. She has also
done research and has been published in the area of Youth Courts.
Personal Experiences
Youth Court isn’t just for the juvenile offenders, each of us have grown and
learned so much volunteering.

“We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone”

-Ronald Reagan
Moving Forward
Any Questions?
Thank you