Queens Defenders holds youth justice courts in three Rockaway Schools. Our team works with teachers and administrators to prevent school suspensions. When a student violates the school’s code of conduct, they are referred to YJC where their peers carry out a trial. When the jury finds the student guilty, it hands down a consequence, which often includes an apology letter to teachers and classmates, helping teachers during lunchtime, or sitting on the jury for the next session of YJC. Most often, students referred to YJC later become consistent participants in future trials.

Queens Defenders also holds youth justice courts in four Queens libraries, including Cambria Heights, Far Rockaway, Jamaica, and Laurelton. In the community youth justice courts, youth who commit low-level crimes are referred by local precincts. This referral occurs in place of being charged and sent to criminal or family court. YJC participants conduct a trial. When the jury finds the youth guilty, it hands down a consequence and once completed, the youth’s case is dismissed. Consequences may include apologies to the victim and their family, participation in mental health and substance abuse treatment programs, and community service that builds on the youth’s strengths and interests.