National Youth Court Center  c/o American Probation and Parole Association     PO Box 11910          Lexington, KY 40578-1910 www.youthcourt.net

Contact: Karen Fuller Phone: 859-244-8196  Contact: Carl Wicklund Phone: 859-333-4088   IMMEDIATE RELEASE 4-10-02

 

- MEDIA INVITIED TO ATTEND-

 

In Eight Years Youth Courts in the U.S. Have Grown by 1,200%

 

Justice for Youth and by Youth

 

National Youth Court Conference

to be Held in Arlington, Virginia April 14-16, 2002

 

During a time of disturbing news of violence and intolerance from around the world, there is a reason to have hope for the future of our nation’s youth and our communities.

 

In 1994 there were 74 youth courts; today there are more than 860 with 300 more communities considering the development of a youth court.  Come see for yourself how this grassroots movement has now emerged as the leading community court with no sign of slowing down.

 

Over 1,000 people will be learning and sharing their experiences and strategies about practicing justice for youth by youth. People from across the United States including Alaska native youth, representatives from the Continent of Africa and the Republic of India are among those registered to attend the largest youth court event ever!

 

United States Assistant Attorney General, Deborah J. Daniels will release the results from the first ever national teen court evaluation as part of the U.S. Department of Justice National Youth Court Initiative.

 

Empowering teens to determine sentences for their peers and address crime problems in their communities is at the heart of what youth court programs are all about.

Media passes may be obtained at the conference registration booth outside the Arlington Ballroom at the Crystal Gateway Marriott, 1700 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, Virginia. 

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