Putnam County Youth Court Celebrates “30” Years.

The Putnam County Youth Court is one of many successful programs run through the Putnam County Youth Bureau Department. Putnam County Youth Court is a unique and effective growing prevention and intervention program. It has been making a difference in the lives of young people throughout Putnam County since 1987.The Putnam County Youth Court Program utilizes the Youth Judge Model and thru this program, youth gain a better understanding of their rights, the rights of others and the importance of their role in the justice system. This past December, Youth Court inducted 32 new members into the program. Youth Court Volunteers are from every school district in Putnam County. Members learn about the importance of the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and why we have laws.

They must complete a 10-week training program, attend a Carmel Court Observation, take a tour of the Sheriff Department and pass a Bar Exam.

This year we are excited to announce that all 32 new trainees successfully completed training and passed their Bar Exam.  This program would not be the success that is without the assistance from our experienced Youth Court members and our community expert speakers. These speakers are from the Probation Department, the Magistrates Association, the District Attorney’s Office, the Sheriff Department, our County and Town Judges, and the Bar Association. We are proud to say, over the last 30 years. Youth Court maintains over a 95% success rating, with a recidivism rate of less than 1%.

Youth Court members are making a difference!