PITTSFORD YOUTH COURT

Youth Court Proposal
The Youth Court system, successful in over 1,200 communities nationwide, presents an alternative approach to juvenile justice. By employing concepts such as positive peer influence, accountability, and youth involvement, Youth Courts offer communities a prevention and early intervention program. Because minor criminal offenses and repeated disruptive behavior are known to be signs of a troubled youth, the Youth Court system is a step in addressing a local community's youth-related problems.

In October, 2008 Supervisor Bill Carpenter called for the formation of an exploratory committee to look into the merits of creating a Youth Court in Pittsford. Town Board member John Bernacki, now Town Justice, was asked to chair the committee that also included faculty, students and parents representing the Pittsford Schools, the Monroe County Sheriff's Department, community youth organizations and residents. The committee was asked to deliver their recommendations to the community, based on the feasibility and benefits of having a Youth Court, the legal issues as well as the associated costs.

Click here to see the full proposal for the Youth Court.

John Bernacki, Town Justice

Christopher Calabrese, Pittsford Resident

Sharon Peet, PTSA

Sidnea Mercer, Pittsford Mendon High School

Eva Bandurowski, Pittsford Sutherland High School

Maureen Randall, Pittsford Sutherland High School

Adil Ali, Calkins Road Middle School

Liz Konar, Sutherland High School Principal

Captain William Sanborn, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office

Dale Cameron-Kody, Pittsford Alliance for a Substance Free Youth

Roshni Master, Pittsford Sutherland High School

Kevin Koenders, Pittsford Sutherland High School

Mark Silberg, Pittsford Sutherland High School

Lisa Fulmer, Pittsford Youth Services

Jill Harter Lennox, Youth Court Coordinator