Established in 1999
Valdez Youth Court (VYC) was established in 1999 to provide youth in our community with an alternative within the court system. We accept cases of 12-17 year-olds who have committed a violation or misdemeanor. If the defendant chooses to participate in Youth Court, trained youth volunteers will determine a fair sentence by holding a sentencing hearing.
Our Mission Statement
Valdez Youth Court's mission is to provide an accountability-based alternative to the Juvenile Justice System through the education and rehabilitation of youth while teaching them to be accountable and responsible for their actions.
Restorative Justice
VYC aims to bring Restorative Justice to our community. We look at what resources can be provided to the youth, the family and the community as a whole. Our Judges look at each individual and hand down sentences that begin the healing process between the individual and the community. A few examples:
Valdez Youth Court (VYC) was established in 1999 to provide youth in our community with an alternative within the court system. We accept cases of 12-17 year-olds who have committed a violation or misdemeanor. If the defendant chooses to participate in Youth Court, trained youth volunteers will determine a fair sentence by holding a sentencing hearing.
Our Mission Statement
Valdez Youth Court's mission is to provide an accountability-based alternative to the Juvenile Justice System through the education and rehabilitation of youth while teaching them to be accountable and responsible for their actions.
Restorative Justice
VYC aims to bring Restorative Justice to our community. We look at what resources can be provided to the youth, the family and the community as a whole. Our Judges look at each individual and hand down sentences that begin the healing process between the individual and the community. A few examples:
- Community Work Service
- Restitution
- Attend Adult Arraignments
- Art Project
Here's what 2022 Valdez Youth Court scholarship recipient Katarina Taylor had to say about her experience:
Being a member of the Valdez Youth Court has had more impact on my personal growth and development than I ever could have imagined. Youth Court provided me with a strong foundation to develop many positive traits that have shaped my character over the years.
Throughout the years, I was faced with many complicated situations that challenged my ethical decision making. At times living in a small town and being on the Youth Court put me in an awkward position where I knew the defendant. Youth Court provided me the confidence needed to be able to ignore peer pressures and do what I know is right. Being involved in Youth Court taught me to listen to the facts before forming an opinion, it helped me to set a higher standard of conduct for myself, and most importantly it taught me to never question my own personal integrity. This is a trait that I have worked hard to uphold throughout my life.
The knowledge I gained during my Youth Court encounters will undoubtedly prepare me to become a successful leader of character as an officer in the United States Coast Guard or the United States Merchant Marine.
Being a member of the Valdez Youth Court has had more impact on my personal growth and development than I ever could have imagined. Youth Court provided me with a strong foundation to develop many positive traits that have shaped my character over the years.
Throughout the years, I was faced with many complicated situations that challenged my ethical decision making. At times living in a small town and being on the Youth Court put me in an awkward position where I knew the defendant. Youth Court provided me the confidence needed to be able to ignore peer pressures and do what I know is right. Being involved in Youth Court taught me to listen to the facts before forming an opinion, it helped me to set a higher standard of conduct for myself, and most importantly it taught me to never question my own personal integrity. This is a trait that I have worked hard to uphold throughout my life.
The knowledge I gained during my Youth Court encounters will undoubtedly prepare me to become a successful leader of character as an officer in the United States Coast Guard or the United States Merchant Marine.
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How can I grow with Valdez Youth Court?
"Living in a small town like Valdez, professionalism and integrity are important character points in situations like this. Valdez Youth Court has taught me to be professional and has helped me grow with integrity. Being able to take a case with someone you know and not be biased is important in making critical decisions. Everyone is accountable for their own actions. I am grateful for the years that I have been in Youth Court and the lessons that I have learned in those years." -Sophia Palomar, VYC member and recipient of VYC 2020 Scholarship.
How can I grow with Valdez Youth Court?
"Living in a small town like Valdez, professionalism and integrity are important character points in situations like this. Valdez Youth Court has taught me to be professional and has helped me grow with integrity. Being able to take a case with someone you know and not be biased is important in making critical decisions. Everyone is accountable for their own actions. I am grateful for the years that I have been in Youth Court and the lessons that I have learned in those years." -Sophia Palomar, VYC member and recipient of VYC 2020 Scholarship.
Opportunities for Youth Court Volunteers Include:
- Improving public speaking skills
- Travel opportunities
- Helping kids to move on from mistakes they made
- Community service opportunities
- Scholarships and college references
- Making new friends around the state
- Learning about legal and criminal justice careers; meeting professionals in those fields
"The underlying premise of restorative practices is that people are happier, more cooperative, more productive and more likely to make positive changes when those in positions of authority do things with them rather than to them or for them."
-Ted Wachtel,
The International Institute for Restorative Practices
Thank You to all of our Sponsors
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Trial Court Level
Arts Design, LLC, Captain Joe’s Eagles Auxiliary #1971 R&R Testing Services, Inc. Rogue’s Garden Sound Realty Valdez Office Supply Copper Valley Telecom |
District Court Level
Petro Star Valdez Emblem Club #514 Valdez Gold Rush Days Valdez Native Tribe Superior Court Level Eagles Aerie #1971 Harris Sand & Gravel Supreme Court Level DHSS/DJJ, Valdez United Way Providence Valdez Medical Center |
Thanks to Our Local Partners...
Valdez City Schools
Valdez Community Care Providers
United Youth Courts of Alaska
Advocates against Victims of Violence
Valdez City Schools
Valdez Community Care Providers
United Youth Courts of Alaska
Advocates against Victims of Violence
