Volunteers are needed for the Broken Arrow Youth Court.

Broken Arrow Orientation Session
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Broken Arrow Justice Center
220 South First Street
Broken Arrow, OK 74012

Who can volunteer for Youth Court?
Any Broken Arrow high school student -grades 9-12 (must be in school or home schooled)

Interested in joining BA Youth Court?
Please contact BreAnna Shine at (918) 688-4074 or by email (bshine@yst.org). You may fill out an application on-line (Youth Services of Tulsa) or come by the Broken Arrow Resource Center at 460 South Aspen.

What is Youth Court?
Broken Arrow Youth Court is an actual court staffed by youth who serve the juvenile court system, giving first-time youth offenders an opportunity to receive a trial conducted by their peers. Broken Arrow Youth Court allows students interested in the justice system to learn, participate and contribute to the community. It is a collaborative effort among Youth Services of Tulsa, Broken Arrow Municipal Courts, and the members of the Tulsa County Bar Association. All youth court referrals are sent directly from the Broken Arrow Municipal court.

Volunteer Requirements:
All volunteers must:
1. Complete an application,
2. Attend training (6 weeks - one night a week, Tuesdays from 5 to 6:30, at the BA Justice Center),
3. Pass a “mini-bar” exam covering the training,
4. Commit to serving on the court.
*Training is provided by Oklahoma Bar Association Attorneys.

What do Youth Court volunteers learn?
They learn how the judicial system works, how to judge right vs. wrong, what the consequences are for breaking the law, and how to apply ethics and legal strategy. Youth Services of Tulsa participates in actual courtroom trials in the rotating roles of judge, prosecuting attorney, defense attorney, judges, court clerk, or court bailiff.

Youth Court is an actual court staffed by youth who serve the juvenile court system, giving first-time youth offenders an opportunity to receive a trial conducted by their peers. Youth Court allows students interested in the justice system to learn, participate and contribute to the community. It is a collaborative effort among Youth Services of Tulsa and the members of the Tulsa County Bar Association.

What about Training?
Members of the Oklahoma Bar Association, present a six-week series of training sessions and supervise court proceedings.

How are defendants referred to Youth Court?
Teens, referred by the juvenile justice system for a first offense, participate in an intake and assessment with a Youth Services of Tulsa counselor. Under appropriate conditions, the counselor may recommend Youth Court as the best option.

What happens to the defendant at the youth court hearing?
A guilty plea or verdict may result in one of a combination of the following sentences:

• Community service
• Restitution
• Apology letter and/or verbal apology to the injured party
• Recommendation for drug/alcohol screening
• Recommendation of a curfew
• Referral for counseling

A not guilty plea results in a trial which takes place two weeks later. A three-judge youth
panel overseen by a licensed attorney renders a verdict based on the facts of the
hearing. A not guilty verdict results in the defendant’s case being dismissed.