The Orleans County Department of Social Services (DSS) today said it is looking to recruit more young people to take part in the county’s Youth Court program and has sent letters to the county’s five school districts looking for interested students.  . Youth Court is an alternative for young people who face disciplinary action through school or law enforcement. It provides young people with the opportunity to learn from their mistakes without facing the juvenile justice system.

“We recently celebrated the induction of 10 members into the Orleans County Youth Court from Albion, Lyndonville and Medina,” said DSS Deputy Commissioner Cynthia Stumer.   “Those students participated in a 6 week program over the summer where they learned about Restorative Justice and the legal system from arrest through disposition of the case.  Now, we are looking for additional young people to join the program.”

Those interested in joining the Youth Court would be required to take part in a spring training session planned for April/May 2024.  To inquire about signing up for the training or session or learn more the program, contact Youth Court Coordinator Jeannine Larkin at (585)297-0137 or Jeannine.larkin@orleanscountyny.gov.

“We are so excited to be able to offer this option to our youth in Orleans County both as members and as a child that might need our guidance to make better decisions,” said Stumer.

Current members pictured above are (backrow): Elizabeth Conner, Albion; Julia Graham, Albion; Maria Vasquez, Medina; Samantha Dobo, Albion; Ezra Bloom, Albion. (Front row): Cerenity “D” Johnson, Albion; Makenzie Cook, Albion; Aliyah Neidert, Albion; and Aidyn Jackson, Medina. Not pictured is Alivia Goigova, Lyndonville.  The students were joined in the photo by Orleans County Court Judge, the Honorable Sanford A. Church.