Anchorage Youth Court

Text Box: 2007 Statistics

Total Cases
305
Total AYC Volunteer Hrs
7,458
Average Days Referral to Hearing
14
Restitution Paid
$5,146
Community Work Service Hours Completed
6,371

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Text Box: Anchorage Youth Court Text Box: "Justice for Youth by Youth"

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Text Box: Anchorage Youth Court ("AYC") is an organized and effective juvenile justice system. It provides Anchorage youth with opportunities for personal growth and an understanding of our legal system.
Anchorage Youth Court gives youth offenders personal accountability, youth attorneys good training and the opportunity to make a significant difference in others' lives and the public an effective and comprehensive public safety system.

Text Box: Innocent Theft
By: Rachael L. Pope
AYC Student Board Member

On a dark night in December he crept,
To commit what he thought was an innocent theft.
He walked down the street to the local grocers store
Where he carefully broke through the back door.
He entered the building, and to his surprise
Looked out the window and saw a policeman arrive.
He was arrested, and his parents were phoned.
They drove out to get him and bring him back home.

The next day he found himself at McLaughlin Youth Center
Where he patiently sat, waiting, along with his parents.
The boy sat there, glumly; the prospects looked grim,
But then, the probation officer said to him,
"Look, boy, you seem like a really good kid.
Who just wasn't thinking about what you did.
While it is not as serious as other offenses,
You are still going to have to accept the consequences."

The boy nodded again, to afraid to speak,
But then the officer handed him something.
"If you want a second chance, another shot,
There is a program called Anchorage Youth Court.
It is a court system run by teens,
And they will teach you what it means –
The seriousness of breaking the law –
If you like, I will give them a call.

They will conduct a sentencing hearing.
An essay, community work service, and a class are what you will be receiving. As a result of last nights actions.

The boy chose to go through AYC.
He walked into court and was surprised to see,
That everyone – the judges, the attorneys – was a teen.
"Wow," he thought, "These kids really care.
They are not happy that I'm here.
They want me to be the best I can be,
And they don't approve of my trespassing.
I guess its not cool to commit crimes.
I will remember that next time."

The youth judge addressed the boy for a moment,
"Would you like to say something to the court?
Keep in mind, your words are the last things we'll hear
Before we take recess and deliberate back there.
Would you like to take advantage of that opportunity?"

"Yes, your honor," the boy began nervously,
"I would like to take advantage of this moment
To thank you for this awesome program.
I did not know that teenagers cared
About what happened to their peers.
I will never, ever do this again.
You've shown me that my actions
Are not acceptable, and never will be.
Thank, thank you, for helping me!"
- June 19, 2007