1. Peer Courts Katy Arrowood, CEO, Griffin Region College & Career Academy Molly Arrowood, 12 th grade student, Athens Community Career Academy and 3 year peer court volunteer Emily Boness, JD, Public Service Assistant, J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development 1

2. The CCA/ Peer Court Connection Opportunity for real world, hands on, community minded participation Fits nicely with Criminal Justice pathway Builds the relationship between the Academy & the community Students gain leadership skills that transfer to many areas of life 2

3. What is a Peer Court? Voluntary diversionary program Train students to serve as the advocates, judges, bailiffs and jurors in disposition hearings Decide fair and appropriate dispositions for respondents There are many around the country 3

4. Benefits of peer courts Respondents Juvenile court Youth volunteers Community 4

5. Respondent benefits 5

6. Charges by type 6

7. Typical Disposition in Athens 7.6 hours of community service 2.5 hours of jury duty Verbal apology to parents in court 25% respondents write apology to victim 25% respondents write an “essay” 7

8. What respondents say “It was a learning experience. Peer court allows adolescents to get a taste of the real world. It is basically giving you a second chance.” “I found the peer court to be just as serious as regular court but I wasn't as pressured and felt more free to talk.” “Yes. What I found good about peer court is that you will learn about your mistakes.” About Jury Duty “It was nice to sit on the other side having the same experience as the convicted.” “Jury duty was fun to me because I wanted to work in the court case when I get older anyways.” 8

9. Juvenile Court benefits 9

10. Time to hearing (days) 10

11. Recidivism Delinquent recidivism rate between 16 and 18% Overall recidivism rate of approximately 20% 11

12. Youth volunteer benefits 12

13. Youth Volunteer Commitment Attend all the training sessions Volunteer to take cases that come to peer court Serve as the advocates, jurors, bailiffs and judges Participate about twice a month Come to future trainings and meetings Follow confidentiality rules Treat each other and respondents with respect 13

14. Why do you volunteer with APC 14

15. Additional Activities 15

16. Community benefits 16

17. Service 2500 hours of community service assigned Lawyer/law student engagement Youth engagement 17

18. How to start a Peer Court Juvenile Court Judge support Establish a need Explain the benefits “Home” organization Adult volunteer commitment Youth volunteer recruitment and training 18

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