261 Elm Avenue Delmar, NY 12054 518-439-4955 ext. 1143
What are the requirements for becoming a BYC member?
Be a resident of the Town of Bethlehem
Be in high school (grade 9-12)
Attend all training classes
When and where are training sessions? Training is scheduled to begin Sept. 29th, 2009 at Bethlehem Town Court. Please see the schedule under the Training tab to the left. What will I learn at training? How to become a Youth Court:
Judge
Prosecutor
Defense Attorney
Juryforeperson
Clerk
Victim Advocate
Each training session will instruct you on a different aspect of the juvenile justice system. You will learn how the juvenile court system functions and how youth courts operate in this system, what cases are referred to youth court, how to fulfill each role in a youth court hearing, restorative justice techniques and what it means in youth court, sentencing options and what community service can do, and what happens to the offender following their youth court appearance. Training instructors will include attorneys, judges, local officials, police officers, security personnel, law students, and current members. In addition there will be supervised practice periods incorporated into the training sessions. Training activities include:
Pizza parties
Ice cream socials
Graduation ceremony
What happens after I complete training? As a Bethlehem Youth Court member, you will be assigned to a team consisting of six other Youth Court members. Your team will be assigned court dates, times, and individual roles for the next few months. As case dates are filled you will be contacted by the director regarding your responsibility and with case information regarding that specific case. You are then required to perform your role for the hearing. Retraining and social events occur periodically and you will be requested to attend. You will also be asked to assist with fundraising events and large scale community service projects that occur throughout the year. How do I get involved? Contact the Director, Katrina Charland (see contact information below). I have more questions. Contact the Director, Katrina Charland at 439-4955 ext. 1143 or email her at byc261@yahoo.com .