About Us
Come together with young activists and change-makers in your community at Ontario County Youth Court (OCYC)! This peer-based program is an opportunity to gain a better understanding of our country’s court system while ensuring fellow youth in Ontario County, NY get the help they need to avoid further involvement in the justice system.
Real Cases, Real Impact
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.
1,150 +
youth courts operate in the U.S.
90+
volunteer OCYC members
≈ 65
cases a year in Ontario County
Youth Court Information
Learn more about court, leadership, membership, and more!
Become a member
Students in grades 7-12 are eligible for volunteer membership. They’ll learn about the legal system and acquire leadership skills as they hold roles like judge, jury, prosecution, and defense in real, non-violent cases for their peers.
Before trying real cases, members will need to complete a 20-hour training, held over the course of 8-10 weeks.
For more information, see the application below or contact us.
Make a Referral
To refer a non-violent youthful offender to Ontario County Youth Court, please download the referral form below.
For more information, please contact us.
Court Sites
Ontario County Youth Court operates from five court sites around Ontario County, NY
2025 Youth Court Awards
Congratulations to our 2025 Award winners and new inductees!
Top hours Award:
1st place – Percie Wood
2nd place – Jenna Lapp
3rd place – Elani Kanellopoulous
Seniors: Anna Nicholson, Aryan Moore, Adrian Bapst, Brianna Cafarelli, Logan Kendall, Sarah Allen, Tristan Hayflinger
Service Award Recipients:
Our service award is presented to those Youth Court members who display exemplary commitment and dedication to the program through their efforts and participation.
Adrian Bapst
Bristol Brancato
Lola Diamond
Leadership Award Recipients:
The Leadership award is given to Youth Court members who embolden and inspire others to pursue a path toward progress and growth.
Luca Allis
Jenna Lapp
Percie Wood
Pinnacle Award Recipients:
The Pinnacle Award is awarded to Steering Committee Members who display stellar performance in Youth Court endeavors. These individuals consistently go beyond the requirements of their position and are thoroughly knowledgeable about the Youth Court process.
Gemma Liberti
Fernando Soberon
Brianna Cafarelli
Member of the year award:
The Youth Court Member of the Year award is given to one Youth Court member who has gone above and beyond in demonstrating their sense of character, commitment, and leadership to exceed expectations both personal and program related.
Brianna Cafarelli
Jenna Lapp
Percie Wood
New Inductees:
Sienna Zion, Alexander Neville, Zara-Jade Neville, Alyssa Dimarco, Andrew Istvan, Jonathan Tuthill, Samara Rodriguez, Lacie Simpson, Lily Brennan, Violet Fox, Zeca Santos, Izabelle Bollinger, Madeleine Streber, Alexus Streber, Quinn Mumby, Shannon Doyle, Elise Reidy, Madelyn Bracci, Jasmine Crawford, Paris Crawford, Fairouz Mekhaimer, Layla Softic, Solana Shea, Rainna McLetchie, Oliver Straub, Caitlyn Coene, Emma Sullivan, Abigail jones, Taylor Zanghi, Grace Lewis, Lucy Johnson, Kennedy Mumby and Brooklyn Fahy