Youth Court
Service Area
Riverside & San Bernardino Counties
Who We Serve
Youth
What we Provide
Restorative Justice
Our Partners for Innovative Communities (PIC) Collaborative helped guide the return of Youth Court to San Bernardino County in 2021. This restorative justice program helps offenders avoid school suspensions and involvement in the juvenile justice system by participating in a simulated court with a jury composed of youth and an adult judge.
The first hearing took place in June 2021 with a case referred by the San Bernardino County Juvenile Probation Department. Ann Marie Pierce, District Attorney for the Central Juvenile Unit, presided as judge.
The goal of this program is to instill accountability in youth without affecting their record. Another benefit is that after completing the program, many of the youth participants profess an interest in pursuing careers in the criminal justice system.