Riverside, Ca- During the month of September the Riverside Youth Court Partnership will celebrate National Youth Court Month.

On September 6, 2005 a Proclamation Ceremony will be held in recognition of Youth Court Month at the Riverside City Council Chambers at 6:30 PM.

On September 12, 2005 a reception “Celebrating the Success of Youth Court” will be held to honor the volunteers and staff that make Youth Court a successful program. The event will be held at the Riverside County historical courthouse, located at 4050 Main Street, from 6 PM to 8 PM.

Members of the media are welcome to attend both events.

Riverside Youth Court is an innovative approach to juvenile justice and acts as an early intervention for first time misdemeanor respondents. It is designed to give youth between the ages of 10 and 17, who have violated the law and admitted their guilt, a second chance. Those who are eligible for the program will have the case heard in a real courtroom with youth serving as prosecuting and defense attorneys, court clerks, bailiffs and jurors. An adult judge presides, but the youth jury determines the sentence.

The primary function of Riverside Youth Court is to determine a fair and restorative disposition for the juvenile respondent. Dispositions will include mandatory future jury duty, and one or more of the following: community service, letters of apologies, essays, educational workshops, counseling, restitution, drug testing, jail tour, curfew restrictions, behavior contract, and other creative dispositions. When the disposition is completed, the respondent’s case will be closed. No criminal charges will be filed in the traditional juvenile justice system and the juvenile will have no record.

The Riverside Youth Court Partnership is comprised of the Office of the Mayor, Riverside Police Department, Riverside County Juvenile Court, Riverside Youth Council, Riverside County Probation Department, Riverside County District Attorney’s Office, Riverside County Public Defender’s Office, Riverside Unified School District, Alvord Unified School District, Riverside County Bar Association, and the Greater Riverside Chamber of Commerce.