Youth court of the district of columbia shall serve as a unique pre- petition diversion program for nonviolent first time offenders. The program will foster accountability, mobilize peer pressure to reduce delinquency and recidivism, promote responsibility to the community and victims of delinquent acts and assist in the development of self esteem and respect for the rule of law in the district of columbia.

Crime & Law , Crime Prevention

Jga - youth court diversion program is authorized by dc superior court to work with first time juvenile offenders that get in trouble with the law, diverting them away from the juvenile justice system. Youth are referred from the metropolitan police dept, court social services, and other community service agencies. Youth court provide services to youth aged 13 to 18, males and females that reside in all wards of the district of columbia. Youth cases are heard by a jury of their peers with sanctions given that must be completed in order for youth to successfully complete the program. dmh- boy's focus - began in 2009 to address the issue of violence that boys were experiencing, youth court focus enables boys to address the violence that they have experience in their lives. Youth court uses the dare to be a king curriculum aimed at urban boys and their issues such as self esteem, decision making and conflict resolution. Boys meet 90 minutes weekly for 10 weeks. With the focus program, ycdc seeks to provide youth with a positive channel for their feelings as well as a safe space to discuss their issues. This past year, funding was focused on helping identify boys with substance abuse issues that needed referrals psn- girls group - began in 2008, youth court girls was started to address the increase of gang participation by girls in the dc area. Youth court girls is part of a citywide effort to discourage gang/crew participation. Girls referred to this program are at risk of joining gangs. This all- female group meets for 90 minutes weekly for 10 weeks to discuss violence, how to increase self esteem and become involved in positive activities that are an alternative to gang affiliation. Their sessions also branch into personal talks about drug use and drug abuse, the importance of education and life goals, self-worth, and making good decisions. Youth court uses the curriculum, dare to be a queen, that has a focus on urban issues, but it is not evidenced based.