Salt Lake Peer Court

A youth referred to Salt Lake Peer Court (along with a parent/guardian) sits before a panel of high school volunteers who are trained to hear cases. The panel asks questions of the youth and parent/guardian to get a better understanding of the offense/issue as well as other concerns within the household and at school. The panel creates a disposition contract with conditions the youth and parent/guardian must fulfill. These conditions can include community service for the youth, educational opportunities, vocational training, social activities, individual/family counseling, and/or other conditions as the panel sees fit. The referred youth is paired with a peer mentor who follows-up with them by phone or in person between court hearings. An adult advisor is assigned to the case and follows-up with the parent/guardian to check on progress and answer questions. Return hearings are held to report on disposition contract progress and make changes if needed. Referred youth who are successful in Peer Court graduate. Those who are unsuccessful are closed non-compliant and the referral is sent back to the source (usually the school) for further processing.

Mission: Working to combat the disproportionate involvement of low-income and minority students in America’s school-to-prison pipeline by providing all youth who commit minor offenses an alternative to the juvenile justice system. Vision: As youth and adults working together, caring and showing respect for one another, we will improve our neighborhoods, cities, and juvenile justice system. Through youth-led education and coordination with local community agencies, we will assist our peers and their families to strengthen their ties to school and community while building positive new skills. Our strategy aims to break the cycle of poverty by giving all youth a chance to avoid a lifetime in the revolving door of America’s justice system.

 

Age Minimum Requirement: 14