Before our Youth Court members can step into the courtroom, they go through an intensive training period that preps them for the ins and outs of the justice system, learning not just the legal process, but how to listen, ask the right questions, and hold their peers accountable with fairness and empathy.

Our Youth Court members kicked off summer training on Monday, Aug. 17 and packed a lot into five days. Throughout the week, our youth-in-training learned not only from our team, but from professionals working in the field. For instance, Christine Carroll, LMHC, a licensed mental health counselor based in Romulus, offered her expertise on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and unconscious bias.

“These trainings are imperative for our youth to receive because it gives them the understanding that they never know what someone is going through and how to be unbiased in the courtroom,” said Amelia Baker, our Youth Court program coordinator. “They also were able to participate in a few games and activities to facilitate friendships with one another.”

Michelle Mitchell, director of the Center for Dispute Settlement, facilitated a restorative justice circle, a group process where everyone affected by harm sits together to talk through what happened and figure out how to repair it, rather than simply assigning punishment.

Emily White and Eli O’Connor, from Family Counseling Service of the Finger Lakes, facilitated Safe Zones training and talked about the importance of accepting people for who they are. Later in the week, Delton Caraway, a public defender in Ontario County, and Paul Irving, from the district attorney’s office, spoke to our youth about their jobs, the importance of their positions, and offered insight on the mock trial case the trainees would be working through. Then came the main event: the mock trial itself. “They were super excited to run through what a trial would look like, practicing roles that they might be able to play come time we have a real hearing,” Baker said.

The final day of training was career day, and the biggest highlight was the K-9 unit and its dogs. “We also had the New York State Troopers there to speak about all the cool things they do, job opportunities, and to answer any questions,” Baker said. Probation staff followed with a presentation on their work and how it connects with Youth Court. The day, and the week, wrapped with a corrections demo, complete with another K-9 visit, where youth learned what it’s like to be a corrections officer and got hands-on with some of the equipment used on the job.

For some trainees, the week left a lasting mark. Bryson Mendolera, a rising sophomore in Victor, is now considering a career in law after this summer’s program. “I think I’m rethinking my career path for a career as a defense attorney,” he said after the week came to an end.

“At the end of training, we were able to induct 17 members into Youth Court, and those members can now fully participate in all future hearings,” Baker said. Overall, the youth had a great time learning and making connections with other members, and the staff is looking forward to seeing all of them at future hearings!”