On Sunday, November 17, 2024, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that the Philadelphia Community Youth Court (PCYC) is empowering young people by placing them in roles traditionally held by adults in the legal system. Instead of judges and juries made up of adults, the PCYC features a courtroom where all roles, including the judge, jury, and respondents, are filled by teens.
The program serves as a restorative justice initiative aimed at diverting young people away from the traditional justice system. It addresses offenses such as bullying and theft, allowing youth to engage in solutions that emphasize accountability and rehabilitation. Participants may be required to write apology letters, attend therapy, or participate in future youth court hearings as part of their resolutions.
Francine Hardaway, the CEO and founder of PCYC, emphasized the program’s focus on personal responsibility, stating, “Youth court is not a get-out-of-jail-free card. Work has to be done. We are holding you accountable for your actions.” The program currently operates in seven locations across Philadelphia, including a newly opened headquarters in East Germantown, with plans to expand to at least two additional sites.
PCYC receives cases through referrals from various partners including the School District of Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Police Department, and the district attorney’s office. The program has gained traction as an alternative to traditional court proceedings, which can be damaging to young people’s mental health. Rahmira Davis, a former member of PCYC, highlighted the importance of a supportive environment where youths are treated as individuals rather than merely as offenders.
Hardaway founded PCYC in 2012 after observing a concerning number of young people, particularly Black and brown youth, facing formal charges in the court system. She was inspired to seek alternatives that would prevent young people from being funneled into a system that often exacerbates their challenges. After researching existing youth courts in other cities, she implemented a similar model in Philadelphia, which has resonated with the community.
Currently, the PCYC handles more than 100 cases annually, but Hardaway hopes to increase that number to 300 with the establishment of the new headquarters. Unlike traditional courts, PCYC does not determine guilt or innocence; instead, respondents must agree to take responsibility for their actions before their cases are accepted into the program.
The youth court aims to be both restorative and transformative, addressing the underlying issues that lead to harmful behavior. For instance, Hardaway cited a case involving a youth who stole clothing out of financial necessity for a job interview. PCYC not only facilitated a resolution but also assisted the individual in securing employment.
In the courtroom, responsibilities rotate among participants, allowing youth to experience various roles, including jury members, judges, bailiffs, and advocates. Adult presence is limited to PCYC staff and the respondent’s parent or guardian. This structure fosters a sense of ownership and empathy among participants.
PCYC maintains contact with youth even after they have completed their cases, supporting them through their high school years to ensure they continue to feel valued. The organization also organizes events to engage former respondents and the wider community.
Derrick Cheeks, the chief administrative officer for PCYC, expressed the importance of building relationships with participants, stating, “If there’s no relationship, there’s nothing.” Former member Jabril Williams emphasized the program’s holistic approach, saying it allows youth to be seen as individuals capable of contributing positively to society.
The Philadelphia Community Youth Court stands as a pioneering model of youth engagement in the justice process, promoting healing and personal growth among young people in the city.
Source: The Philadelphia Inquirer
