Purpose:

Thurston County Youth Court is a student court that hears cases about and is staffed by students. Youth court accepts referrals from school personnel (counselors, administrators, and facilitators) and juvenile court probation. The court sees offenses involving school based rule violations with an emphasis on truancy.

Thurston County Juvenile Court is based on an adult judge model where young people are trained in and fill the role of jury, court clerk, defense and prosecuting attorneys. Respondents (students referred for violations) arrive at court to meet with defense attorneys. Various aspects of the school rule violation are discussed along with any mitigating circumstances. Attorneys for both sides are encouraged to introduce evidence in as complete a manner as possible.

Disposition (consequence) options include a variety of community service placements, tutoring, educational classes, written papers, youth court jury duty, and letters of apology.

Parents are encouraged to cooperate in all aspects of the youth court process since they bear ultimate legal responsibility for minor participants. Respondents who choose the youth court program do so voluntarily, accepting the consequences for their actions.

For more information on the Youth Court program, please contact Community Youth Services 360-943-0780.