WASHINGTON STATE ASSOCIATION OF YOUTH COURTS

The date is set for the 2015 WSAYC (Washington State Association of Youth Courts) Fall Conference . Save the date of Saturday, November 14, 2015, 9:30AM to 3:30PM , at the Seattle University School of Law.   This year’s conference theme focuses on “C hoices and consequences” and promises to be exciting, informative and fun-filled with expert guest speakers, live demonstrations and lots of swag, including tickets to local Seattle attractions!   You don’t want to miss this so watch for future emails, flyer and registration information! I look forward to seeing you all at the conference!   Kelley R Gradwohl WSAYC President

According to the National Youth Court Database, in 1994 there were only 78 youth court programs in operation; as of March, 2010, there were over 1,050 youth court programs in operation in 49 states and the District of Columbia. Conflicting accounts in the literature create challenges to tracing the exact beginnings of youth court programs. One of the earliest known programs still in operation is the Naperville Youth  Jury in Naperville, Illinois. Naperville’s program started in June of 1972. There are also anecdotal reports of a youth court that began operating in Horseheads, NY in 1968.