Who We Are
Community Youth Courts (CYC) offers a Restorative Justice alternative to traditional juvenile courts—run by youth, for youth.
Serving middle and high school students in Southern Contra Costa and Alameda Counties, CYC gives first-time offenders of minor crimes a second chance through peer-led accountability, respect for victims, and opportunities for growth. With very low recidivism rates, CYC reduces crime while saving communities time and money.
Serving middle and high school students in Southern Contra Costa and Alameda Counties, CYC gives first-time offenders of minor crimes a second chance through peer-led accountability, respect for victims, and opportunities for growth. With very low recidivism rates, CYC reduces crime while saving communities time and money.
The Process
1. We receive the offender’s case from a variety of resources including Schools and Police Departments.
2. The offender and their parent(s)/guardian(s) meet with a Youth Court representative to Register, sign the Participation Agreement and get detailed information about what to expect. The offender is then scheduled for trial.
3. The offender shows up to their trial on their scheduled night and time.
4. The offender’s case is heard and given a Commitment Plan (a sentence) by a jury of their peers.
Commitments are based on restorative justice principals and can include: jury duty, community service, oral or written apologies, tutoring, counseling, and/or some form of reimbursement.
6. The offender has 90 days from the day of their trial to complete their sanctions. When the offender completes their Sanction Plan the case is closed. If the Commitment Plan is not completed, the case goes back to the referring agency for next steps.
2. The offender and their parent(s)/guardian(s) meet with a Youth Court representative to Register, sign the Participation Agreement and get detailed information about what to expect. The offender is then scheduled for trial.
3. The offender shows up to their trial on their scheduled night and time.
4. The offender’s case is heard and given a Commitment Plan (a sentence) by a jury of their peers.
Commitments are based on restorative justice principals and can include: jury duty, community service, oral or written apologies, tutoring, counseling, and/or some form of reimbursement.
6. The offender has 90 days from the day of their trial to complete their sanctions. When the offender completes their Sanction Plan the case is closed. If the Commitment Plan is not completed, the case goes back to the referring agency for next steps.