Editorial: New approach to youth offenders
An innovative way of dealing with teenagers who get into trouble, set for its Virginia debut in Newport News this summer, offers a promising alternative to traditional courts. If all goes well, the new youth court could become an important part of the broader effort to deal with the juvenile crime that’s increasingly a problem in Hampton Roads.
The official name of the new effort is the Youth Justice Diversion Program, meaning that the cases of teenagers accused of some minor, first-time offenses can be diverted from the existing court system to an alternative using youth volunteers. The diversion will keep their records clean. The hope is that these young offenders will also learn lessons that may keep them from spiraling into serious criminality.
Several states already have similar programs, including North Carolina, and reports are positive. The general consensus is that youth courts work well. Teens who go that route tend to be less likely to offend again. They learn more about the law and how the court system works. They gain respect for authority figures. Of course, as with any program, the success varies depending on the people involved, the available resources and community support.
There haven’t been youth courts in the commonwealth until now. Virginia’s code didn’t allow them. So Newport News asked the General Assembly to change the code. Del. Mike Mullin introduced legislation giving municipalities the right to establish youth diversion programs that use teenage volunteers as jurors, lawyers and in other roles. Only the judges will be adults — lawyers who volunteer.
Having those teen volunteers — from high school and even a few middle schoolers — can be good all around.
One of the main reasons teens get into minor legal scrapes is because of peer pressure. Teens are trying to impress other kids and to be accepted by some group. When they get into the court system, they can be rebellious toward what they see as more adults who don’t understand them. In youth court, they find other teens who are more or less like them — teens who “get it.” The peer pressure they feel there can be to shape up and behave better. They also may find that there are safer, more law-abiding groups to aspire to.
The volunteers, meanwhile, gain valuable experience in the law-enforcement and justice systems and the satisfaction of doing something worthwhile. They also may come to understand better the challenges that other teenagers face.
The teens who go to youth court aren’t getting a free pass. Before they can go to the diversionary program, offenders must accept fault for their behavior. The sanctions handed down by the teenage juries tend to be designed to right the wrong, not simply to punish. Offenders usually must apologize. Sometimes they are ordered to perform community service or attend workshops or classes. If something was stolen or vandalized, the offender may have to make restitution.
Good for Newport News for seeing an opportunity to try something different — and for making it happen. The city received a state grant to hire a coordinator for the first 18 months and has put money in its budget for the program. Court sessions will meet in city community centers.
Increasing crime — including gun violence — among teenagers is a big worry across Hampton Roads, as in much of the country. The pandemic, with its disruptions and anxieties, is likely a factor in recent increases, but there are many chronic problems as well.
It will take a variety of programs and concerted efforts to make a difference. Law enforcement, schools, community groups, businesses and churches can all help. So can programs and policies that try to correct entrenched inequality across our society. Children should grow up believing they can have a good future, and getting the help they need to achieve that.
Youth courts, stepping in when a teen gets into trouble for the first time, can be a valuable part of that broad effort.
