Peer Court, A United Way Agency, Serves Vermilion County, IL

JUVENILES GET A SECOND CHANCE
COMPREHENSIVE SENTENCES MOLD YOUTH INTO PRODUCTIVE, RESPONSIBLE CITIZENS OF THE FUTURE
-Peers sentence juvenile offenders during a court session. Sentences for the offenders always include; a number of community service hours, a tour of the county jail, and service as a juror in future court sessions. Some sentences can include; restitution, apology letters to victims/parents/police, fire safety classes, substance abuse classes, and writing essays pertaining to the offense. Research shows that the type of sentencing in Peer Court allows the youth to feel accountable for the offence and reduces recidivism. When the offenders complete their sentence they will not have a record of conviction. This gives them a chance to proceed in life with a clean start. Special needs of offenders are detected in interviews and youth are referred to the appropriate assistance.

RELIEVE THE WORKLOAD FOR JUDICIAL COURTS
-First-time juvenile offenders are referred to Peer Court by the States Attorney’s Office, and by cities and villages within the county. This relieves the workload for Municipal and Judicial courts allowing them to concentrate on more serious crimes.

STUDENTS LEARN SKILLS
- The purpose of laws and ordinances become evident to the youth serving as jurors, clerks and bailiffs during training and court sessions. They decide the consequences for breaking the laws. Teenagers obtain advocacy and public speaking skills by serving as defense and prosecuting attorneys during court sessions. This helps makes Peer Court an effective crime prevention program for Vermilion County.

THOUSANDS OF HOURS OF COMMUNITY SERVICE WORKED ANNUALLY
-Offenders fulfill community service hours working with not-for-profit organizations, service clubs, community events, local governments, and citizens in need. Offenders and volunteers work 2,000 – 3,000 hours of community service annually. Youth learn job skills and responsibility while completing community service.

CALCULATE THE VALUE OF THIS PROGRAM
Without a comprehensive sentence at Peer Court many of these juveniles would be headed for a life of contact with the Police, court systems, Department of Corrections, detention, probation, etc. Instead, they are learning the purpose of laws (and the consequences for breaking them). Peer Court youth have a brighter future after learning job skills and responsibility. How can you put a price tag on that for those individuals and for the taxpayers?

Numerous Peer Court participants come from Western Indiana and other Illinois Counties.
 

Peer Court, A United Way Agency, Serves Vermilion County, IL