About Blount County youth court

"I have been an attorney for over 30 years, and I can say that this powerful program really works. We get involved before poor decisions and the consequences of those decisions become irreparable. Using the power of positive peer pressure we help kids get back on track. I have seen this program work, and am honored to be part of it."

“The Youth Court is powerful in many ways, but my favorite is peers giving peers the opportunity to right their wrongs. I serve with the Youth Court because I believe the process of peer-driven juvenile justice will enhance accountability and the education of individuals, families and communities for generations to come.”

“Sometimes the greatest gift that can be given to a young person is the realization that their actions have consequences beyond themselves. The BCYC gives both respondents and peer jurors the opportunity to understand early on in their lives that they are a part of a larger community and that their actions have a direct impact on those around them. As an attorney who sees the effects of our judicial system on a daily basis, the BCYC model of restorative justice not only lessens the burden on our courts by keeping kids from re-entering the system, it really does help strengthen the bonds of the already strong community we have here in Blount County.”

“I understand young adults are constantly being bombarded with a lot of different choices and just like Frost, “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I - I took the one less traveled by and that has made all the difference” - I want to try and give every child who starts down the wrong road, the opportunity to go down a better road. Because truly, it will make ‘all the difference’ to their future. My prayer is that they will become a better member of our community which in turn, gives us all a stronger and better community.”

“Blount County Youth Court offers first-time juvenile offenders an opportunity to opt for restorative justice through a peer jury vs. the standard juvenile court system. This model has a proven success record and our community benefits from participating in it. Not only do our respondents benefit from the program, our peer jurors learn about the judicial process hands-on and have the opportunity to grow to leadership positions within the jury. It’s an honor for me to be part of the positive impact that Youth Court has made in our community.”

"Blount County Youth Court dynamically changes lives and communities. As a professor and a parent of a child who served as a juror on the BCYC, I am honored to serve on the Board; it is inspiring to work with the Board members. I want to help our youth. BCYC provides an exceptional opportunity of restorative justice for at-risk youth. Likewise, peer jurors gain compassion, understanding, and training in an unprecedented experience. I believe BCYC is an organization committed to doing good by doing right for our youth."

“I am a true advocate for our community and this will be a great asset for me and all involved”

“I am proud to serve with Blount County Youth Court because it gives an opportunity for young offenders to redeem themselves through restorative justice as opposed to the juvenile court system. Kids are faced with many choices these days. Some good and some not so good. I believe this program gives them a chance to turn things around and get on the right track in life and not get caught up in the system.”

“The Youth Court program operates to proactively prevent irreversible effects of juvenile misconduct by assisting respondents in correcting their course and amending their mistakes through peer support. I am privileged and grateful to be part of a program that provides juvenile offenders with a second opportunity, while also giving juvenile jurors an early and significant chance to make a meaningful contribution to their community.”