Marin

Youth Court

For ages 11–17

Youth Court works with youth who have been arrested for non-violent first time offenses (90% are drug and alcohol related) to keep them from falling prey to the juvenile justice system. Probation refers cases to our Youth Court program where offenders come face-to-face with a jury of their peers to be sentenced for their admitted offense. Today’s offenders become the panel of jurors for future offenders. The offender must take responsibility and make restitution for violating the law. Successful completion of the program results in no juvenile record. Having this safety net for youth in the early stages of their delinquency can help them turn the corner onto a new path and a successful future. For more information, contact Don Carney at 415-459-9622.

Youth Court Student Attorney Training Camp (ages 11–17) 

Learn all about the Marin County Youth Court and why restorative justice is successful in keeping kids out of the juvenile justice system.

Students will be taught how to be jurors, bailiffs, and attorneys and will take part in a real Youth Court Hearing. This course prepares students to participate in the Youth Court program during the school year. The leadership skills developed through this program provides a strong foundation for youth development and increases the odds for success as an adult. Financial aid may be possible based on family income.

December 26–29, February 20–23, or April 9–12

Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 12:00–4:00 p.m. • Tuesday, 3:00–7:00 p.m.

Fee: Facility Member $300 • Program Member $320

Decisions Under the Influence: Alcohol & Drug Safety Skills Training

Marin County’s youth engage in abnormally high levels of alcohol and drug use.

Data reveals that by high school 53% of our teens are drinking and 38% of 11th graders are binge drinking (five drinks in two hours) as compared to 21% for other California counties. Our Marin teens consume marijuana at twice the national average and the use of dangerous pharmaceuticals like Ecstasy and OxyContin are on the rise. While experimentation with substances is common during teen years, with our help, experimentation does not turn into substance abuse. Parents will learn effective methods to prevent or reduce teen substance use. Youth will practice strategies that develop refusal skills. Trainings are held monthly. 

Dates TBA 

For more information on any of these programs contact Don Carney at 415-459-9622.