Ontario County Youth Court officially welcomed its newest members earlier this month, as spring graduates took the stage to receive their certificates of completed training. After investing 20 hours in building a deeper understanding of the justice system, and what it truly means to bring compassion and empathy into the courtroom, these young leaders are now qualified to serve as peer jurors in restorative justice proceedings.
The celebration drew more than 100 friends, family members, and community supporters, a testament to the program’s long-reaching impact. While the night honored those just beginning their journey in restorative justice, it also marked an ending for some. Senior members who are heading off to new adventures were recognized with awards celebrating their commitment to Youth Court and the mentorship they provided to the members who came after them.
“In my last six years as the program director for Youth Court, I have seen this program have a huge impact on the youth we serve. I have seen our youth members develop public speaking skills and an overall comfort when working with peers because of the number of opportunities this program provides for them to do that,” said Tina Shumpert, youth program director at Ontario Cares. “I have seen an overall reduction in recidivism in the respondents we see, and many of them come back and go through the training to become members themselves.”
Ontario County Youth Court is part of a national movement, one of more than 1,150 youth courts operating across the United States. Locally, the program is driven by 90-plus volunteer members, who collectively handle approximately 65 cases a year right here in Ontario County. That’s 65 young people given the chance to be heard, held accountable, and supported by their peers rather than processed through the traditional court system. In 2023 and 2024, 100% of youth who committed minor offenses and participated in our program had no further involvement in the juvenile justice system.
