Parents Marten and Karen join daughter Reyn Hutten at her induction into Wrangell's Youth Court program by Magistrate Chris Ellis on March 17. The high schooler will be able to act as legal counsel for her peers in the event of a juvenile referral from the local court.
Last week Wrangell's Youth Court Program learned it would not be receiving its annual grant in the next fiscal year.
Youth Court is a diversionary justice program which for Wrangell began in 2001. First-time juvenile offenders have the option to undergo a trial held by their peers – students participating in the program – with the promise of cleared records once the sentences are completed. These can vary from community service to restitutionary actions, and gives all involved a chance to learn from the experience with a clean slate.
Wrangell has been one of eleven communities in the state benefitting from the program. This year's $19,000 Department of Health and Human Services grant is administered for the delinquency prevention program through the city.
WYC program coordinator Dorthea Rooney said the cuts come as the state looks for ways to save on its programming. Wrangell's court program has not had any juvenile referrals in the past two years, and so had been moved to a low priority for funding.
"It's a fantastic civics program," explained local magistrate Chris Ellis. On March 17 she presided over the swearing in of a fourth member to the program, student Reyn Hutten.
At the courthouse, she highlighted the core values to the lawyer position Hutten had studied for: preparedness and giving the best representation possible; fairness, honesty and respect; and an understanding of our legal principles.
"This is real work, with real consequences," she admonished Hutten. "Your work will make a difference."
The program does not just offer a clean slate to those who could use it, but helps the students involved as lawyers and court personae as well. In addition to learning how legal processes work, Rooney explained Youth Court helps students develop self-confidence, public speaking skills, and working with others. It also takes a lot of studying.
"They do a lot of work to qualify for this," said Ellis.
Rooney explained the upcoming cuts do not necessarily mean the program will go away. There are alternative sources available locally, and students in the program will still be able to participate in various group activities, such as monthly meetings, mock trials and community projects.
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