More than 100 family members, friends and community supporters gathered in Canandaigua last week as Ontario County Youth Court celebrated the graduation of its newest class of peer leaders and recognized longtime members for their service.
The spring ceremony marked the completion of 20 hours of training for new Youth Court inductees, who are now qualified to participate in restorative justice proceedings involving their peers. The program focuses on accountability, empathy and conflict resolution while providing an alternative to the traditional juvenile justice system.
Program Director Tina Shumpert said Youth Court has had a lasting impact on both volunteers and participants. She noted that members develop public speaking and leadership skills while respondents benefit from peer-driven accountability and support.
Ontario County Youth Court operates with more than 90 volunteer members and handles about 65 cases annually. According to Ontario Cares, every youth who participated in the program after committing a minor offense in 2023 and 2024 avoided further involvement with the juvenile justice system.
The event also honored graduating seniors for their dedication to the program and the mentorship they provided to younger members. Ontario County Youth Court is one of more than 1,150 youth courts operating nationwide and is administered locally through Ontario Cares.
Summer training registration is now open for students entering grades 7 through 12.
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