What is Youth Court?

Youth Court is a diversion program of the Jackson County Family Court. Juvenile offenders between the ages of 8-16 charged with misdemeanor or status offenses are offered the opportunity of appearing before a court of their peers.Common cases include; shoplifting, curfew, trespassing, etc.

How does it work?

After a juvenile has been arrested a letter is sent to the parents
for permission for Youth Court to hear the case. The defendant
is then arraigned before a Youth Judge and represented by Youth Counsel.
All court positions are filled by his/her peers. If the defendant is
found guilty or pleads guilty, the court will assign up to 50 hours of
community service, an apology, or an essay. The sentence could
consist of a combination of these components.

Qualifications for membership

Personnel must be between the ages of 12 (in the 7th grade) and 19, and live in Grandview or attend CSD#4 schools.

Training of Personnel

Personnel receive three levels of training. Training classes are presented by local attorneys. At the end of the sessions students must pass a 'bar exam' and are given the oath of office (sworn in) before serving in Youth Court.

Grandview Youth Court originated in December 1987. We are organized as a non-profit 501(c)3 organization incorporated in Missouri.